Description
This Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad is a vibrant, healthy dish combining perfectly grilled balsamic-marinated chicken breasts with fresh salad greens, cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, avocado slices, and aromatic basil. Finished with a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze, this Italian-American inspired salad makes for a satisfying lunch or light dinner packed with rich flavors and balanced nutrition.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Salad
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This flavorful marinade will infuse the chicken with a tangy, herby essence.
- Marinate the Chicken: Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors, or up to 2 hours in the fridge for a deeper taste.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken on the hot surface and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and has a golden brown exterior. Use a meat thermometer if needed to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain juices for tender meat. After resting, slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble the Salad: On a large bowl or serving platter, arrange the mixed salad greens as the base. Add halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, avocado slices, and sprinkle fresh basil leaves evenly over the top.
- Add Chicken and Finish: Place the sliced balsamic chicken over the salad. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving to add a rich, sweet finish and enhance all the flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute mozzarella balls with sliced fresh mozzarella if preferred.
- For extra crunch and texture, toast some pine nuts or add crunchy croutons to the salad.
- This salad can be enjoyed warm with freshly grilled chicken or chilled for a refreshing cold meal.
