Blackberry Brasil Grilled Chicken Salad

This Blackberry Brasil Grilled Chicken Salad is a celebration of fresh summer flavors and vibrant textures. Juicy, marinated grilled chicken pairs beautifully with peppery arugula, torn basil, creamy avocado, and bursts of ripe blackberries. The star of the show is a homemade blackberry vinaigrette that does double duty as both marinade and dressing—tangy, slightly sweet, and deeply aromatic thanks to balsamic vinegar and thyme. Topped with crunchy toasted pumpkin seeds, this salad offers a healthy, gluten-free option that’s as elegant as it is nourishing. Ideal for a light lunch, dinner, or summer entertaining, this recipe delivers both flavor and nutrition in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 6 oz fresh blackberries, plus more for serving

• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 2 tsp honey

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp fresh or dried thyme

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 2 cups fresh basil, torn

• 4 cups arugula

• 1 ripe avocado, pitted and sliced

• Toasted pumpkin seeds for serving (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Blackberry Marinade/Dressing:

1. In a high-speed blender or food processor, blend blackberries, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, thyme, and salt until smooth.

2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and pulp for a smooth consistency.

Marinate the Chicken:
3. Reserve two-thirds of the blackberry mixture for later use as salad dressing.
4. Place the chicken in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the remaining third of the mixture over the chicken.
5. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor).

Grill the Chicken:
6. Preheat grill to medium heat (400–425°F / 200–220°C).
7. Remove chicken from marinade and discard used marinade.
8. Grill chicken for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
9. Let the grilled chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Assemble the Salad:
10. Divide arugula among 4 serving bowls or plates.
11. Scatter torn basil leaves over the greens.
12. Add avocado slices and a handful of fresh blackberries.
13. Slice the grilled chicken and place on top of the salad.
14. Sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds if desired.
15. Drizzle with the reserved blackberry dressing and serve immediately.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 490

• Total Fat: 28g

• Saturated Fat: 5g

• Trans Fat: 0g

• Unsaturated Fat: 22g

• Cholesterol: 96mg

• Sodium: 424mg

• Carbohydrates: 19g

• Fiber: 7g

• Sugar: 6g

• Protein: 40g

Blackberry Basil Grilled Chicken Salad: A Fresh Summer Favorite

If you’re looking for a refreshing and nutritious dish that embodies the spirit of summer, the Blackberry Basil Grilled Chicken Salad delivers on every level. With bold flavors, a colorful presentation, and a healthy nutritional profile, this salad is far from ordinary. It’s the perfect choice for those who crave fresh produce, balanced meals, and a touch of gourmet flair at home.

This salad goes beyond the typical greens-and-protein combination by incorporating seasonal ingredients like blackberries and fresh basil into both the base and the dressing. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’re dining at a chic café—even if you’re just in your backyard or lunching between meetings.

A Celebration of Seasonal Ingredients

What makes this dish shine is its intentional use of peak-season ingredients. Blackberries are rich in antioxidants and lend a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory elements. Basil, with its aromatic intensity, adds a herbaceous freshness that elevates the salad. Arugula, known for its peppery bite, forms a perfect leafy base that doesn’t overpower the other components.

Avocado slices bring creamy texture and healthy fats, while toasted pumpkin seeds provide a delightful crunch. When all these textures and flavors come together, the result is a salad that’s light yet satisfying, simple yet elevated.

The Power of Homemade Dressing

Store-bought dressings can be convenient, but nothing compares to the flavor depth of a homemade vinaigrette—especially one made with fresh fruit. In this recipe, the blackberry vinaigrette doubles as both a marinade and a dressing. It’s blended with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, and thyme to create a silky, tangy-sweet concoction that balances the richness of the chicken and avocado.

Using part of the dressing to marinate the chicken not only infuses it with flavor but also keeps it incredibly juicy on the grill. This technique minimizes waste and maximizes taste—a win-win for home cooks looking to streamline their efforts without compromising quality.

Health Benefits You’ll Love

This salad is more than just delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients. Here’s what each key ingredient brings to the table:

• Chicken breast provides lean protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety.

• Blackberries are high in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants that support immune health and fight inflammation.

• Basil is not only aromatic but also a source of vitamin K and natural anti-inflammatory compounds.

• Arugula is loaded with calcium, potassium, and folate, making it a powerhouse leafy green.

• Avocado supplies heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and potassium.

• Pumpkin seeds (if used) offer magnesium, zinc, and protein, with a satisfying crunch.

Together, these ingredients create a balanced dish that’s gluten-free, low in carbs, and filled with wholesome goodness. It’s a smart choice for anyone following a healthy eating plan or simply trying to add more fresh food to their diet.

Ideal for Meal Prep and Entertaining

Another reason to love this salad? Its versatility. You can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble the salad when you’re ready to eat. The chicken can be grilled and stored in the fridge, the dressing can be made in advance, and the greens and toppings can be prepped and portioned for quick assembly.

It’s also a visually striking dish, making it a great option for hosting. Serve it at your next outdoor gathering, picnic, or even as a plated dinner starter. The vibrant mix of green, purple, and creamy hues looks gorgeous on a serving platter and tastes just as good as it looks.

Serving Suggestions

While the salad stands beautifully on its own, you can also pair it with other seasonal dishes for a more complete spread:

• Crusty bread or whole grain rolls for a touch of carb-based comfort.

• Chilled soups like gazpacho or cucumber-mint soup to enhance the refreshing feel.

• Herb-infused sparkling water or a light rosé wine to complement the fruity notes.

• Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or corn on the cob to keep the meal plant-forward.

If you’re serving this as a side dish, consider reducing the chicken portion or slicing it thinner to make room for other proteins like grilled salmon or tofu on the table.

Dietary Modifications and Substitutions

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can easily be adapted to suit other dietary needs:

• Dairy-free: It already contains no cheese or creamy dressings, so it’s perfect for those avoiding dairy.

• Vegetarian version: Swap the grilled chicken for grilled tofu or chickpeas marinated in the same blackberry mixture.

• Nut-free: The pumpkin seeds are a safe nut-free option for crunch, but you can leave them out entirely if needed.

For an extra indulgence, a few crumbles of goat cheese or feta would also pair beautifully with the salad and vinaigrette—just keep that in mind if you’re avoiding dairy.

A Salad That Satisfies

One of the biggest complaints about salads is that they’re not “real meals.” That’s not the case here. With protein-packed chicken, filling avocado, and fiber-rich produce, this salad is satisfying enough to carry you through lunch or dinner without the need for a second course. It’s light without being skimpy, flavorful without being fussy.

You can scale this recipe up for a crowd or down for solo dining. It also works well as a packed lunch or picnic dish—just keep the dressing separate until serving.

Conclusion: Elevate Everyday Eating

The Blackberry Brasil Grilled Chicken Salad is more than just a recipe—it’s a reminder that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. With a few fresh ingredients and a simple homemade dressing, you can turn an ordinary salad into a dish that’s bursting with seasonal flavor, texture, and color.

Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering, meal-prepping for the week, or just treating yourself to something fresh and delicious, this salad hits all the right notes. It’s a celebration of nature’s bounty and a testament to how vibrant and satisfying clean eating can be.