First, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, golden balsamic vinegar, granulated sugar, roughly chopped fresh tarragon, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl until blended. You’ll want this mixture to be smooth and well combined, as it will be the dressing for your salad.
Next, take the boneless skinless chicken breasts and place them in a shallow bowl. Pour half of the dressing over the chicken, ensuring it's nicely coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This step allows the chicken to absorb all those delicious flavors.
Once your chicken is marinated, it's time to cook. Spray a grill pan or a 12-inch non-stick pan with cooking spray and heat it to medium high. You want the pan hot enough so that the chicken sizzles when it hits the surface.
Carefully place the chicken breasts on the hot grill pan. Let them cook for about 3 minutes without moving them. This helps create a nice sear.
After 3 minutes, flip the chicken breasts and cook for another 3 minutes. You should see beautiful grill marks forming on the chicken. Flip once more for even cooking.
Now, reduce the cooking temperature to medium low and continue to cook the chicken for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, turning every 5 minutes or so. Keep an eye on the internal temperature; it should reach 165ºF for perfectly cooked chicken.
When the chicken is done, remove it from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it tender.
While the chicken is resting, arrange the fresh spinach, strawberries, and red onion in a large bowl. Lightly toss them together with the remaining dressing. You want the dressing to evenly coat the greens and fruit.
Now, slice the rested chicken into ¼ inch slices and add it to the salad bowl. Toss gently to combine.
Finally, add the avocado, sprinkle with feta cheese and sliced almonds, and serve immediately. Enjoy the vibrant flavors of your Balsamic Strawberry Chicken Salad with family or friends.
