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Sweet Summer Strawberry Bowl

June 27, 2025

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I'm Caitlin - culinary hostess, wellness retreat curator, and homebody at heart. This blog is where I share seasonal recipes, intentional living tips, and behind-the-scenes moments from my kitchen, travels, and retreats.

Here to make healthy living feel thoughtful and approachable - one recipe, ritual, or gathering at a time.

WELCOME!

Looking for a fresh, colorful lunch or dinner idea that makes the most of peak-season produce? This Sweet Summer Strawberry Bowl brings together savory balsamic chicken, juicy strawberries, crisp cucumbers, and tender rice – all finished with a tangy vinaigrette. It’s easy to prep, endlessly refreshing, and perfect for warm-weather meals.

What To Expect In This Post

  • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients You’ll Need
  • Equipment Overview
  • Step-by-Step Instructions
  • Storage Tips
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • More Recipe Inspiration
  • Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This bowl is the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and satisfying. Balsamic-glazed chicken adds bold flavor, strawberries bring natural sweetness, and a base of fluffy rice makes it a complete, balanced meal. It’s the perfect way to celebrate summer ingredients in a dish that feels nourishing without losing out on flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken

  • chicken tenderloins
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • strawberry balsamic vinegar (sub with traditional balsamic vinegar)
  • sea salt
  • english cucumber
  • fresh strawberries
  • red onion

Dressing

Rice

  • dry jasmine rice
  • butter oil or persian lime oil (sub with extra virgin olive oil + fresh lime juice or high quality melted butter)
  • sesame seeds
  • fresh cilantro

Equipment Overview

  • sharp knife
  • cutting board
  • mixing bowls
  • medium saucepan with lid

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken : In a mixing bowl, combine chicken tenderloins with balsamic vinegar and let marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step can also be done a few hours ahead or the night before for deeper flavor.
  2. Prepare the Rice : In a medium saucepan, combine water and rice. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once the rice and water are boiling, reduce to a simmer, partially cover the pot (leave the lid slightly ajar to prevent overflow), and cook until almost all of the liquid is absorbed—about 10–15 minutes. Keep a close eye on it. Once most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove from heat, fully cover with the lid, and let steam for 15–20 minutes. Fluff the rice and toss with butter or Persian lime olive oil, and season with sea salt.
  3. Cook the Chicken : Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of basil-infused olive oil (or extra virgin olive oil of your choice). Once hot, add the marinated chicken tenderloins. Cook for 3–5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. If the balsamic starts to smoke or smell like it’s burning, reduce the heat—not all stovetops are the same!
  4. Make the Dressing : In a mason jar or small bowl, combine lime juice, honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, sweet chili sauce, and sea salt. Shake well (or whisk) until fully emulsified, then set aside.
  5. Prep the Toppings : Slice, dice, or quarter your strawberries, cucumber, and red onion.
  6. Assemble the Bowl : To serve, layer rice in the bottom of each bowl. Top with sliced cucumber, strawberries, red onion, and the balsamic chicken. Drizzle with the dressing, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and finish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Storage Tips

  • Store each component separately for best texture
  • Chicken and rice can be prepped up to 3 days in advance
  • Assemble fresh before serving for peak flavor and freshness
Overhead image of a summer strawberry salad bowl with balsamic chicken, sliced strawberries, cucumbers, red onion, and rice, drizzled with vinaigrette in a white bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another protein?

Absolutely. Grilled shrimp or salmon would be delicious!

What kind of rice is best?

White jasmine or long grain rice both work great. You could also opt for quinoa.

Is this bowl good for meal prep?

Yes! Keep components stored separately until ready to serve. Just be sure to slice strawberries the day you plan to eat for freshness and taste.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

Sure – look for something light and vinegar-based to keep the balance of flavors. I recommend using a brand that doesn’t use seed oils or contain unnecessary additives.

More Recipe Inspiration

Don’t Forget to Share!

If you try this Sweet Summer Strawberry Bowl, let me know! I love seeing you create some of my favorite recipes.

Print
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Overhead image of a summer strawberry salad bowl with balsamic chicken, sliced strawberries, cucumbers, red onion, and rice, drizzled with vinaigrette in a white bowl.

Sweet Summer Strawberry Bowl


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  • Author: Caitlin
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This sweet summer strawberry bowl is a savory, nourishing dish layered with balsamic chicken, cucumbers, strawberries, red onion, and a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect for lunch, meal prep, or a seasonal dinner.


Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 5 – 6 chicken tenderloins
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 – 3 tablespoons strawberry balsamic vinegar (sub with traditional balsamic)
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

For the Dressing

  • juice of 1 fresh lime
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon honey ginger balsamic (sub with apple cider vinegar + 1/2 tsp freshly grated ginger)
  • 3 – 4 tablespoons basil oil (sub with extra virgin olive oil + 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped basil)
  • 2 teaspoons the date lady sweet chili sauce (sub with yai’s thai’s sweet chili sauce)
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

For the Rice

  • 3/4 cup dry jasmine rice
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon butter oil (sub with 1 tablespoon melted high quality butter)
  • 1 tablespoon persian lime oil (sub with extra virgin olive oil + 1 tablespoon fresh lime zest)

Toppings

  • 1 english cucumber, quartered
  • 4 – 6 fresh strawberries, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced (or diced) red onion
  • sesame seeds, for garnish
  • fresh cilantro, for garnish


Instructions

  1. Marinate your Chicken : In a mixing bowl, combine chicken tenderloins with balsamic vinegar and let marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step can also be done a few hours ahead or the night before for deeper flavor.
  2. Prepare the Rice : In a medium saucepan, combine water and rice. Bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer, partially cover the pot (leave the lid slightly ajar to prevent overflow), and cook until almost all of the liquid is absorbed—about 10–15 minutes. Keep a close eye on it. Once most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove from heat, fully cover with the lid, and let steam for 15–20 minutes. Just before serving, fluff the rice and toss with butter or Persian lime olive oil, and season with sea salt.
  3. Cook the Chicken : Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken tenderloins. Cook for 3–5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden. If the balsamic starts to smoke or smell like it’s burning, reduce the heat—this chicken cooks best low and slow to let the flavors develop without scorching.
  4. Make the Dressing : In a mason jar or small bowl, combine lime juice, honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, sweet chili sauce, and sea salt. Shake well (or whisk) until fully emulsified. Set aside.
  5. Prep your Toppings : Slice, dice, or quarter your strawberries, cucumber, and red onion. Chop cilantro if using for garnish.
  6. Assemble the Bowl : To serve, layer rice in the bottom of each bowl. Top with sliced cucumber, strawberries, red onion, and the balsamic chicken. Drizzle with the dressing, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and finish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • If you don’t have time to marinate the chicken, do not worry! However, if time permits, try to at least let it sit for 10 minutes while you prepare another element of the recipe.
  • Money saving tip : purchase chicken breast rather than tenderloins and slice each breast into 3 pieces.
  • Prefer to grill rather than cook in a skillet? You could use chicken breasts (pound to 3/4″ thick) and grill for 5 – 6 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
  • Slice strawberries fresh the day of for best texture
  • Sub quinoa for rice to change things up.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Meal Prep
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Americanm, Seasonal

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Overhead image of a summer strawberry salad bowl with balsamic chicken, sliced strawberries, cucumbers, red onion, and rice, drizzled with vinaigrette in a white bowl.

Sweet Summer Strawberry Bowl

Overhead image of a summer strawberry salad bowl with balsamic chicken, sliced strawberries, cucumbers, red onion, and rice, drizzled with vinaigrette in a white bowl.

Sweet Summer Strawberry Bowl

Overhead image of a summer strawberry salad bowl with balsamic chicken, sliced strawberries, cucumbers, red onion, and rice, drizzled with vinaigrette in a white bowl.

Sweet Summer Strawberry Bowl

Show more

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