Description
A vibrant and flavorful Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad that combines juicy, Italian-seasoned chicken breasts with fresh mozzarella, ripe avocado, cherry tomatoes, and mixed greens, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze and vinegar. Perfect as a light lunch or dinner, this gluten-free salad showcases classic Italian-American flavors with a healthy twist.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Salad
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
For the Dressing and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Optional: extra olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to your preference.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and achieves a golden brown crust.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes to retain juices. Slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl or on a serving platter, arrange the mixed salad greens, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, sliced avocado, and fresh basil leaves evenly.
- Assemble the Salad: Place the sliced chicken pieces on top of the salad ingredients to create an appealing presentation.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Just before serving, drizzle the salad with balsamic glaze and balsamic vinegar for a bright, tangy flavor. Optionally, drizzle with a little extra olive oil to enhance richness.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately while the chicken is still warm, or enjoy it chilled according to your preference.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of balsamic vinegar and olive oil for 30 minutes prior to cooking.
- This salad can be enjoyed warm with freshly cooked chicken or cold for a refreshing meal.
