Instant Pot® Chicken Salad with Strawberries, Feta, & Pecans

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30-35 minutes
Serves: 4-6

Salad Ingredients:

2 T. extra virgin olive oil
1 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ t. garlic powder
Sea salt & black pepper, to taste
½ c. chicken broth or water
5 c. mixed salad greens
½ pint fresh strawberries, sliced
2 oz. Feta cheese, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 oz. pecan halves

Dressing Ingredients:

¼ c. extra virgin olive oil
2 T. balsamic vinegar
1 t. Dijon mustard
½ T. fresh lemon juice
¼ t. garlic powder
Pinch sea salt
Optional: 1 t. honey

Add olive oil to Instant Pot® and select the Sauté function. Set to high and once the display reads “hot,” add chicken breasts. Season chicken on both sides with the garlic powder, plus salt and black pepper, to taste.

Sear chicken breasts on each side until golden brown, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from Instant Pot® and set aside. Add chicken broth and deglaze the bottom of the pot by gently scraping with a rubber spatula.

Add the metal trivet that comes with the Instant Pot® and place the chicken breasts on top. Add the lid and set the pressure valve to “sealing.” Select the “Manual” cooking option on the high setting and set cook time to 8 minutes. When done cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, and then do a quick release for any remaining pressure.

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the dressing by combining all ingredients in a container with a tight-fitting lid. Cover tightly and shake until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings, as desired. Set aside.

Remove chicken from Instant Pot® and let rest for a few minutes, then shred with two forks. Reserve cooking liquid from the pot to use in other recipes or freeze for later use. 

Arrange mixed salad greens on a platter and top with the shredded chicken, sliced strawberries, Feta cheese, and pecans. Drizzle the balsamic dressing on top and serve immediately. Enjoy!