Name: Blueberry Chicken Salad with Rosemary Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 packages Applegate Naturals® Grilled Chicken Breast Strips (about 3 cups, cubed); 1/2 cup fresh blueberries; 1/3 cup diced celery; 1/4 cup diced red onion; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts; 1 Tbsp. fresh rosemary leaves, chopped; 2 green onions, ends trimmed and sliced (white and halfway up green parts); 1/3–1/2 cup mayonnaise (recommended: Primal Kitchen or homemade); Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Fresh lemon wedges

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 83 reviews

If you are searching for a dish that beautifully blends savory and sweet with a touch of fragrant herbiness, look no further than this Blueberry Chicken Salad with Rosemary Recipe. It offers a delightful combination of tender grilled chicken, juicy blueberries, crisp celery, and aromatic rosemary that’s perfect for both casual lunches and special gatherings. The salad is quick to prepare, Whole30-friendly, and uses simple, fresh ingredients meaning it’s as wholesome as it is delicious. Once you try it, this salad will surely become a staple in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows several white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each filled with different ingredients. There is a bowl of chopped white chicken pieces near the back, a bowl of fresh blueberries, a bowl of finely chopped red onions, a bowl of chopped celery, and a bowl containing a creamy white dressing. In front of the bowls, there are walnut halves scattered on the marbled surface. In the background, there are fresh green lettuce leaves slightly out of focus. The overall look is fresh and colorful with a variety of textures from the creamy dressing to the crunchy walnuts. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the Blueberry Chicken Salad with Rosemary Recipe lies in its simplicity, relying on just a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients that each bring their own unique contribution to the final flavor and texture.

Applegate Naturals® Grilled Chicken Breast Strips: Convenient yet high-quality protein to make prep a breeze while adding juicy, savory chunks.
Fresh blueberries: These add a pop of natural sweetness and a burst of vivid color that makes every bite refreshing.
Diced celery: Provides a pleasant crunch that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken.
Diced red onion: Offers a sharp, slightly sweet bite that balances the blueberries’ flavor beautifully.
Chopped walnuts: Adds a buttery nuttiness and texture, making the salad extra satisfying.
Fresh rosemary leaves: The star herb that infuses the salad with a warm, piney fragrance and depth.
Mayonnaise: Helps bind everything together with creaminess; use your favorite brand or homemade for best results.
Sea salt and pepper: To season perfectly and enhance the natural flavors.
Green onions: Adds a mild oniony crunch and makes a lovely garnish.
Fresh lemon wedges (optional): A squeeze brightens the entire salad just before serving.

How to Make Blueberry Chicken Salad with Rosemary Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by removing your grilled chicken strips from the package and roughly chopping them into bite-sized cubes. Using pre-cooked strips saves you time while ensuring the chicken is perfectly seasoned and tender. This simple first step lays the foundation for the salad’s hearty texture.

Step 2: Combine the Fresh Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped chicken along with fresh blueberries, diced celery, red onion, chopped walnuts, and fresh rosemary. These ingredients come together to create a bright and balanced medley of flavors—sweet, crunchy, nutty, and herbaceous—all in one bowl.

Step 3: Add the Creamy Binder

Start by mixing in ⅓ cup of your chosen mayonnaise. Gently fold the salad to coat all the ingredients nicely and add more mayonnaise if needed to achieve your preferred creaminess. This step is crucial to marry every flavor while avoiding overpowering the natural tastes with too much dressing.

Step 4: Season and Finish

Season the salad with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss lightly to distribute the seasoning evenly. Finally, top with sliced green onions to add freshness and a little crunch. Your Blueberry Chicken Salad with Rosemary Recipe is now ready to delight your taste buds.

How to Serve Blueberry Chicken Salad with Rosemary Recipe

Two lettuce cups sit on a white marbled surface, each filled with a colorful mix of diced light beige chicken, dark blue blueberries, small green scallions, and tiny bits of purple onion, creating a fresh and vibrant look. Behind them is a white bowl filled with the same chicken and blueberry mix, and a smaller white bowl next to it holds fresh blueberries. Scattered around are loose blueberries and thin slices of yellow lemon. There is a leafy green in the background and a silver spoon resting in one bowl. The lighting is soft and natural, highlighting the fresh ingredients photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing is where you can add that extra sparkle. Fresh green onions bring color and subtle crunch, while optional lemon wedges give your guests the choice to add a hint of bright citrus acidity. These garnishes complement the salad’s flavors and elevate its overall presentation.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides such as butter lettuce wraps, cucumber slices, or your favorite crunchy crackers. You can also serve it over a bed of mixed greens to create a heartier meal. These accompaniments balance the creamy, rich texture of the salad with fresh, clean notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun and elegant touch, try serving the salad in hollowed-out avocado halves or inside endive leaves. Individual mason jars layered with the salad ingredients make for a charming picnic or party presentation. No matter how you choose to present it, this salad is sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Blueberry Chicken Salad with Rosemary in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator. The salad keeps beautifully for up to 4 days. Just be sure to give it a gentle stir before serving again, as the dressing may settle slightly.

Freezing

Freezing this salad is not recommended because the mayonnaise and fresh blueberries can lose their texture and flavor after thawing. To enjoy this dish at its best, prepare fresh or store refrigerated for a few days.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, you can let it sit outside the fridge for about 10 minutes to soften up, but reheating is unnecessary and could break down the delicate textures.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of pre-cooked strips?

Absolutely! If you prefer, grill or bake chicken breasts and cube them once cooked and cooled. Pre-cooked strips simply offer a convenient shortcut without sacrificing flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for special diets?

Yes, this Blueberry Chicken Salad with Rosemary Recipe is Whole30-friendly if you choose compliant mayonnaise and ingredients. It’s also gluten-free and low-carb, making it a versatile option.

Can I substitute mayonnaise with a healthier option?

Definitely. You can use avocado mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative, but keep in mind that flavor and texture may shift slightly.

How do I keep the blueberries from bursting or staining the salad?

Gently fold the blueberries in last, and avoid overmixing. This helps keep them intact, maintaining their fresh bursts of flavor without turning the salad purple.

What other herbs can complement rosemary in this salad?

Fresh thyme or tarragon can add interesting notes to the salad. However, rosemary’s robust aroma is the star here, so use other herbs sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have the recipe for this delightful Blueberry Chicken Salad with Rosemary Recipe, it’s time to dive in and make it your own. Whether you’re serving it for a quick weekday lunch or a charming weekend gathering, this salad brings fresh, exciting flavors together with ease and elegance. Enjoy every tasty, vibrant bite!