Name: Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper to taste; 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; 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; Optional: extra olive oil for drizzling

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Say hello to your new favorite summertime dish: Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad. Imagine juicy, golden chicken slices on a bed of vibrant greens, sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, butter-soft avocado, and a tangy drizzle of balsamic glaze. This salad is fresh, filling, and bursting with color—the kind of meal you’ll want to make on repeat. Simple to prepare but delightfully elegant, it brings together all the best flavors of Italy with just the right touch of heartiness for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe for Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad is all about classic ingredients that shine. Each item not only adds its punch of flavor but also brings unique texture and color, making every bite delightful. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you’ll love it.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken creates the perfect lean, protein-packed foundation for the salad.
Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil helps brown the chicken to perfection and infuses it with richness.
Italian Seasoning: This aromatic mix gives the chicken those classic Italian herb notes.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the other flavors.
Mixed Salad Greens: Crisp and fresh, they provide a beautiful base that carries the salad.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy, and bursting with color, they’re irresistible when halved.
Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini): Creamy and mild, these deliver authentic Caprese creaminess.
Avocado: Sliced for creaminess—its buttery texture makes the salad extra satisfying.
Fresh Basil Leaves: These fragrant leaves introduce a pop of herbal brightness.
Balsamic Glaze: Sweet and tangy, it ties all the flavors together in the signature Caprese style.
Balsamic Vinegar: Sharp and zesty, just a touch enhances depth and cuts through richness.
Extra Olive Oil (optional): A final drizzle can add extra lusciousness and Italian flair.

How to Make Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad

Step 1: Season and Prep the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry and sprinkling them generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This simple blend infuses deep flavor, ensuring each bite tastes delicious, not bland. If you want even more richness, marinate the chicken in balsamic vinegar and olive oil for 30 minutes ahead of cooking—it’s an optional step, but truly worth it if you have the time!

Step 2: Sear and Cook the Chicken

In a skillet over medium heat, warm up that tablespoon of olive oil until shimmering. Gently add your seasoned chicken breasts and cook for around 6 to 7 minutes per side—that’s just enough time to achieve a lovely golden-brown crust and ensure the chicken is cooked through and juicy inside. Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes off the heat so the juices redistribute (this really matters for tenderness!), then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad Base

Grab a large platter or salad bowl. Scatter the mixed greens on the bottom as a lush bed, then arrange the cherry tomato halves, creamy mozzarella balls, and silky avocado slices in sections or artfully scattered across the top. Tuck in those beautiful fresh basil leaves—they don’t just add flavor, they make the salad extra vibrant and inviting.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Dress the Salad

Place the freshly sliced chicken over the bed of greens and veggies, letting the slices overlap and nestle among the mozzarella and tomatoes. Now, pour over the balsamic glaze in a decorative zigzag and add a splash of balsamic vinegar for good measure. If you love a little more richness, give the salad a final drizzle of extra olive oil. Everything should look glossy, colorful, and absolutely mouthwatering.

How to Serve Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad

Garnishes

Finish your Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad with a flourish of extra fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. For a gentle crunch, try adding toasted pine nuts or crushed pistachios. If you like a hint of spice, a crack of black pepper or even a touch of crushed red pepper flakes can enhance the flavor beautifully. Presentation is everything, so don’t be shy about making it look as stunning as it tastes!

Side Dishes

Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad is wonderfully filling on its own, but it pairs beautifully with crusty Italian bread or ciabatta for mopping up those tangy balsamic flavors. If you’d like a lighter pairing, grissini (Italian breadsticks) or a simple chilled soup like gazpacho are fun options. For a heartier meal, add some herbed roasted potatoes or a small bowl of minestrone.

Creative Ways to Present

For summer entertaining, serve the salad in individual mason jars for a portable, picnic-ready treat. You can also create beautiful salad skewers using all the salad elements (including cubes of chicken and mozzarella balls) for fun party bites. On special occasions, try arranging the components in neat rows or concentric circles on a large platter for a colorful, show-stopping centerpiece that immediately says, Come on in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad keeps well in the fridge for up to two days. Store the salad and chicken separately if you can, to keep everything fresh and avoid greens wilting or getting soggy. Use an airtight container and try to add the dressing only right before serving to maintain the crisp texture of the vegetables and greens.

Freezing

While the chicken itself can be cooked, cooled, and frozen for up to three months, the rest of the salad components do not freeze well because of their high water content. Fresh mozzarella, salad greens, tomatoes, and avocado all lose their texture after thawing, so I recommend only freezing the cooked chicken and assembling the salad fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Reheating

If you’ve saved some of the cooked chicken in the fridge or freezer, simply reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until just warmed through. Let it cool slightly before adding to your salad, since freshly warmed chicken pairs beautifully with the cool, crisp greens and creamy mozzarella.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a wonderful shortcut—just shred or slice it and add it on top of your salad. You’ll still get amazing flavor with much less effort, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights.

What if I don’t have balsamic glaze?

If you can’t find balsamic glaze, make a quick version at home by simmering balsamic vinegar on the stove with a pinch of sugar until thick and syrupy. It only takes about 10 minutes and delivers that same sweet-tangy punch.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad is fantastic for meal prep! Just keep the salad greens and dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to keep everything crisp. The chicken and veggies hold up beautifully in the fridge for a couple of days.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Definitely. Simply skip the mozzarella balls or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The salad will still be delicious, fresh, and satisfying, thanks to the creamy avocado and juicy chicken.

Can I grill the chicken instead of using a skillet?

Yes, grilling the chicken is a fantastic way to add extra smoky flavor. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil, season as usual, and grill over medium heat for 6 to 7 minutes per side. You’ll love the slightly charred edges paired with the bright salad flavors.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive summer get-together, Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad is one of those refreshing, colorful meals that just makes everyone happy. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for showcasing fresh ingredients at their best. Give it a try and let this salad steal the show at your table!

Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad is a delightful combination of savory grilled chicken, fresh salad greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and ripe avocado drizzled with balsamic glaze. It’s a perfect dish for a light and satisfying meal.

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 Dressing:

2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Optional: extra olive oil for drizzling

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Instructions

Season the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden brown. Let it rest before slicing.
Prepare the Salad: In a bowl, arrange mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, avocado, and basil. Top with sliced chicken.
Finish: Drizzle with balsamic glaze and vinegar before serving. Add extra olive oil if desired. Serve immediately.