Keto Blackberry Feta & Warm Chicken Salad

Treat yourself to a farm-to-table-esque salad that is seasonal and brightly colored. Choose your favorite style of mixed greens; you can’t go wrong with greens in any diet! Fresh summer blackberries are the star here, so there are whole berries on your plate. However, this recipe uses a homemade blackberry dressing made with freshly pressed berries. There’s a flavorful payoff for a few minutes of elbow grease put into your meal. A topping of warm, goldened chicken turns this salad from a side dish to a full lunch. You basil-infused, bright purple blackberry dressing complements every ingredient here. You might even want to post a pic of this lunch to your Instagram!

Jessica L.

Making Fresh Salad Dressings At Home

There is an easy rule of thumb for almost all homemade salad dressings. You need fat and acid in your dressings and vinaigrettes for that rich and tangy taste most look for. From there, you will likely want to add a touch of sweetness and a second flavor component. In this recipe, olive oil and lemon juice combine as the fat and acid. Blackberries add natural sweetness and was complemented by fresh basil. You can change the flavors to your liking by swapping the lemon juice for your favorite flavor vinegar and try other fresh herbs. If you want to make dressing just once for the whole week, multiply this recipe and mash the blackberries in a bullet blender or food processor before pressing. Store the dressing in an airtight container in your refrigerator for 3-5 days.

Seasonal Variations On This Salad

Blackberries, unfortunately, aren’t available year-round. Other Keto berries that can substitute here are strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, depending on the season. Your leafy greens can change seasonally as well to spinach, arugula, iceberg, red leaf, etc. Pecans have a deliciously rich flavor, but other nut substitutes could be almonds, peanuts, or walnuts. Swap feta cheese for goat cheese if you like a tangier flavor and creamier texture. With all these options, you can make tons of new salad combos that highlight the season and break up the monotony of “a salad for lunch”.