Strawberry Chicken Salad Grilled Cheese is a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich made with juicy strawberries, tender chicken, fresh spinach, and melty cheese for an easy yet elevated lunch or dinner. This quick homemade grilled cheese recipe combines sweet and savory flavors into a family-friendly meal that is perfect for busy weeknights.
Strawberry Chicken Salad Grilled Cheese is a fun twist on classic grilled cheese sandwiches and one of those recipes that feels a little fancy but is still incredibly easy to make. It combines a fresh chicken salad with strawberries, greens, and nuts, layered between slices of bread and plenty of gooey melted cheese.
If you love grilled cheese but want something a little more exciting than the basic version, this sandwich is for you. The sweet strawberries pair perfectly with the savory chicken and cheese, while the simple vinaigrette ties everything together without overpowering the flavors.
This is also one of those recipes that works well year-round. It feels light and fresh enough for spring and summer but still comforting and filling for cooler months. Plus, it comes together quickly, making it a great option for lunch, dinner, or even a casual weekend meal.
What I Love About This Recipe
- This grilled cheese feels gourmet but uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that come together quickly.
- The combination of sweet strawberries, savory chicken, and melty cheese creates a really balanced sandwich that never feels heavy.
- It is easy to customize by swapping the bread, cheese, or nuts based on what you have on hand.
- This recipe works well for both adults and kids and can easily be doubled for feeding a crowd.
Equipment You May Need
- Large Mixing Bowl – For tossing together the chicken salad ingredients.
- Small Mixing Bowl – Used to whisk the simple vinaigrette dressing.
- Whisk – Helps fully combine the oil, vinegar, and mustard.
- Skillet or Griddle – For cooking the grilled cheese sandwiches evenly.
- Spatula – Makes flipping the sandwiches easier without losing the filling.
Ingredients
- Fresh Baby Spinach – Adds freshness and a mild leafy texture to the chicken salad.
- Precooked Chicken – Provides protein and makes this recipe quick and convenient.
- Fresh Strawberries – Bring natural sweetness and bright flavor to the sandwich.
- Chopped Walnuts – Add crunch and a slightly nutty contrast to the soft filling.
- Red Onion – Gives a little sharpness that balances the sweet strawberries.
- Olive Oil – Forms the base of the light vinaigrette dressing.
- Apple Cider Vinegar – Adds acidity and brightness to the salad.
- Dijon Mustard – Helps emulsify the dressing and adds subtle tang.
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors in the salad.
- Black Pepper – Adds mild heat and seasoning.
- Bread – Holds everything together and crisps up beautifully when grilled.
- Unsalted Butter – Helps the bread toast evenly and turn golden brown.
- White American Cheese – Melts smoothly and creates that classic grilled cheese pull.
How to Make Strawberry Chicken Salad Grilled Cheese
Step One: Make the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the baby spinach, chicken, strawberries, walnuts, and red onion.
Step Two: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat.
(Full printable recipe card with full details is at bottom of post.)
Step Three: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spread one side of each bread slice with softened butter. Place four slices butter-side down and top each with a slice of cheese, a scoop of the salad mixture, and another slice of cheese. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered-side up.
Step Four: Cook
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook the sandwiches for about 4 to 6 minutes total, flipping once, until the bread is golden and the cheese has fully melted.
(Full printable recipe card with full details is at bottom of post.)
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple green salad or fresh fruit for a light meal.
- Pair with tomato soup for a fun twist on the classic grilled cheese combo.
- Cut the sandwiches into halves or quarters and serve as a casual party appetizer.
Quick Tips for Best Results
- Use sturdy bread so it holds up well to the filling and grilling.
- Do not overfill the sandwiches to make flipping easier.
- Cook over medium heat so the cheese melts before the bread browns too quickly.
Strawberry Chicken Salad Grilled Cheese FAQ
How should I store Strawberry Chicken Salad Grilled Cheese?
Store leftover chicken salad separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Grilled sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh.
Can I freeze Strawberry Chicken Salad Grilled Cheese?
This recipe is not ideal for freezing due to the fresh fruit and greens.
How long will Strawberry Chicken Salad Grilled Cheese last?
The prepared salad will last about 1 to 2 days refrigerated, but assembled sandwiches should be eaten right away.
Substitutions?
You can substitute pecans or almonds for walnuts, rotisserie chicken for precooked chicken, or use your favorite cheese instead of American.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Low-fat cheese and lighter butter alternatives can be used, but the texture and melt may vary.
What else can I add to this recipe?
Sliced avocado, crumbled bacon, or a drizzle of honey mustard are great additions.
Can I make this vegan/vegetarian/low carb/gluten-free?
Here are some suggestions, but I can’t guarantee results. Be sure as always to check particular brands and ingredients if you’re following a specific diet or have diet restrictions or allergies.
Vegan – You can omit the chicken and use a vegan cheese and butter substitute. Also, be sure to use a vegan-friendly bread.
Vegetarian – Omit the chicken for a vegetarian option.
Low-Carb – For a lower-carb option, use a low-carb bread (or tortilla) or omit the bread and make it into a salad.
Gluten-Free -Try a gluten-free bread and double-check other products in the ingredients.
Hope you enjoy this easy and delicious Grilled Strawberry Chicken Grilled Cheese. You might also like this Buffalo Shrimp Grilled Cheese or Sloppy Burger Grilled Cheese!
Strawberry Chicken Salad Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup precooked chicken cubed
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/3 cup quartered and sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 slices bread
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter softened
- 8 (3/4-ounce) slices white American cheese
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the baby spinach, chicken, strawberries, walnuts, and red onion.
- In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour dressing over salad and gently toss to coat.
- Spread 1 side of each bread slice with butter.
- Layer 4 slices of bread with 1 slice cheese, salad, and 1 slice cheese. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered-side up.
- Heat 12-inch skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place 2 sandwiches into skillet. Cook, turning once, about 4-6 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining sandwiches.
Notes
- You can use leftover precooked chicken for this recipe or a rotisserie chicken.
- Any variety of good quality of bread may be used, but I used pumpernickel.
- Use additional cheese as desired if bread slices are larger.
- Instead of apple cider vinegar, use your favorite variety of vinegar.
- Instead of walnuts, you could also use chopped pecans or almonds.
- You can use your favorite type of cheese rather than American cheese.
Nutrition:
(Nutrition data is provided when available for informational purposes only and calculated using an online nutritional calculator. For the most accurate information please calculate based on specific ingredients and brands you use as well as any changes you made to the recipe. I am not a certified nutritionist or registered dietician and any nutritional information provided should only be used as a general guideline and estimate.)
nibbles by nic says
There is nothing like fruit with cheese! Great sandwich…great meal!
Maureen says
What a cheesy goodness we have here! This is such a wonderful sandwich! Your flavors are just great!
Deb B says
This sandwich looks amazing!
Lisa Huff says
Thanks Deb :)