You know that feeling when a dish just feels like a warm hug? That’s exactly what this Chicken Caprese Salad is—a delightful embrace of flavors that’s both refreshing and satisfying. Imagine juicy chicken mingling with ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and vibrant basil, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze. It’s like a summer day on a plate, and I swear, even my picky eater nephew couldn’t resist!
Steps
- Mix the marinade ingredients, which include balsamic vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, dried basil, and salt, in a bowl until well combined. Pour 4 tablespoons of this mixture over the chicken thighs, ensuring even coating, and reserve the rest for salad dressing.
- Heat a teaspoon of oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken fillets, searing them on each side until they are golden, crispy, and thoroughly cooked. Once done, set aside the chicken to rest.
- Cut the cooked chicken into strips. In a large salad bowl, combine the lettuce, avocado slices, tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and chicken strips.
- Add thinly sliced basil leaves on top of the salad mixture. Drizzle the reserved marinade over the salad, and season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken thigh fillets
- 5 cups Romaine or cos lettuce leaves, washed and dried
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced
- ½ cup bocconcini (mini mozzarella balls)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- Pinch of salt, for seasoning
- Pinch of pepper, for seasoning
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1392kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 104g | Fat: 88g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Monounsaturated Fat: 48g | Trans Fat: 0.08g | Cholesterol: 448mg | Sodium: 2872mg | Potassium: 3128mg | Fiber: 20g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 21,924IU | Vitamin C: 64mg | Calcium: 400mg | Iron: 8mg
FAQ
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this salad?
- Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer.
- Is it possible to use a different type of tomato in the salad?
- Absolutely, you can choose to use cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, or even chopped Roma tomatoes based on your preference.
- What options do I have for the base of the salad?
- You can use Romaine, butter, iceberg, or spinach leaves as the base for your salad.
- Can the marinade be used as a dressing?
- Yes, the marinade doubles as a dressing, but ensure to use the reserved, fresh marinade that hasn’t come into contact with raw chicken.
- Are there any alternatives to mini mozzarella balls?
- If mini mozzarella balls aren’t available, you can use larger mozzarella balls or bocconcini, sliced or chopped to your desired size.
Tips
- Reserve a portion of the balsamic marinade separately for use as a fresh dressing later, ensuring that it hasn’t come into contact with raw chicken.
- For a crispy and golden texture, sear the chicken over medium-high heat until the edges are perfectly browned.
- Feel free to substitute cherry tomatoes with grape or chopped Roma tomatoes, and use any size of fresh mozzarella balls if mini sizes aren’t available.
- Consider using different types of lettuce, such as romaine, butter, iceberg, or spinach, as the salad base to suit your preference.
Equipment
- Grill Pan or Skillet – For searing the chicken.
- Shallow Dish – For marinating the chicken.
