Description
This Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad combines juicy grilled chicken with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze and honey dressing. It’s a refreshing and satisfying Italian-inspired salad perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salad
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
Dressing and Glaze
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Grill and Season Chicken: Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Brush the chicken breasts with the olive oil and then season evenly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.
- Slice the Chicken: After resting, thinly slice the grilled chicken breasts to prepare for salad assembly.
- Assemble the Salad: On a large bowl or serving platter, arrange the mixed salad greens, halved cherry tomatoes, halved mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves evenly.
- Add Chicken to Salad: Top the salad with the sliced grilled chicken breasts evenly for balanced flavor and protein.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and honey until well combined to create a sweet and tangy dressing.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the prepared dressing and balsamic glaze over the salad just before serving to enhance flavor and presentation. Toss gently if desired.
Notes
- For a quicker meal, substitute store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of grilling chicken breasts.
- To boost flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes in balsamic vinegar and olive oil before grilling.
- Pair this salad with crusty bread to make a complete and more filling meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Salad
- Method: Grilling, Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 510 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
