Zesty Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

Summer calls for a fresh chicken avocado caprese salad that bursts with Mediterranean charm.

Ripe tomatoes mingle with creamy avocado chunks for an irresistible combination.

Juicy grilled chicken adds robust protein to this light meal.

Herbaceous basil leaves weave through crisp ingredients, creating vibrant flavor profiles.

Mozzarella pearls bring delightful creaminess to each refreshing bite.

Simple ingredients dance together, promising a quick and satisfying lunch.

You’ll crave this colorful dish that celebrates seasonal produce with every forkful.

Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad Ingredients

• Chicken Breast: Tender protein that forms the main component of the salad, lean and perfect for a healthy meal. Choose fresh, boneless chicken for best results.
• Mozzarella Balls: Creamy cheese that adds richness and texture to the salad. Fresh mozzarella provides a soft, milky flavor.

• Mixed Greens, Baby Spinach: Crisp base for the salad that provides nutrition and volume. Look for fresh, pre-washed greens for convenience.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy elements that bring brightness to the dish. Select ripe, firm tomatoes for best flavor.
• Avocado: Creamy, rich ingredient that adds healthy fats and smooth texture. Choose ripe but firm avocados without brown spots.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Aromatic herb that gives a classic Italian touch to the salad. Use fresh leaves for maximum flavor.

• Olive Oil: Helps season the chicken and adds healthy fat. Choose extra virgin olive oil for best taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall flavor of the chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Adds depth and savory notes to the chicken seasoning.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that provides classic Mediterranean flavor.
• Balsamic Glaze: Sweet and tangy drizzle that completes the salad with a rich finish.

Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad Assembly Guide

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Seasoning

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning

Ensure chicken is evenly coated with the aromatic spices.

Step 2: Cook Chicken to Perfection

Warm a grill pan or skillet over medium heat.

Place seasoned chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side.

Verify doneness by checking clear juices.

Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin, delicate strips.

Step 3: Create Salad Base

• Mixed greens
• Halved cherry tomatoes
• Creamy avocado slices
• Soft mozzarella balls
• Fresh basil leaves

Gently toss ingredients to create a vibrant, colorful foundation.

Step 4: Layer Chicken on Salad

Strategically arrange sliced chicken atop the salad, distributing pieces evenly for a balanced bite.

Step 5: Enhance With Balsamic Drizzle

Gracefully pour balsamic glaze over the salad, adding a tangy finish that elevates the entire dish.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Present the salad immediately, celebrating a light, refreshing meal bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Chicken Caprese Salad – Easy Assembly Tips

• Marinate chicken for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance taste and tenderness.
• Cut avocado just before serving to prevent browning and maintain fresh, vibrant color.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe, juicy results.
• Swap regular balsamic glaze for gluten-free version if needed, keeping recipe safe for sensitive diets.
• Chop fresh basil right before adding to salad to maintain maximum flavor and aromatic qualities.

Storing Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad Simply

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent greens from getting soggy.
• Separate chicken slices from salad before storing to maintain their moisture and texture.
• Gently warm chicken in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 15-second intervals to prevent drying out.
• Add fresh basil and avocado just before serving to ensure crisp, vibrant flavors and prevent browning.

What Goes With Chicken Caprese Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the salad's fresh flavors and cut through the creamy avocado and mozzarella.
• Match with Crusty Bread: Serve a slice of warm, rustic Italian bread to soak up the balsamic glaze and add a satisfying textural contrast to the light, fresh salad.
• Enhance with Herb-Infused Water: Create a refreshing lemon and mint-infused water to cleanse the palate and echo the salad's bright, herbal notes while keeping the meal light and hydrating.
• Complete with Lemon Sorbet: Finish the meal with a zesty lemon sorbet that provides a clean, palate-cleansing dessert that mirrors the salad's fresh Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad Options to Try

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh seasoned with the same Italian spices for a plant-based protein option.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Substitute mixed greens with quinoa base and add cucumber, olives, and swap mozzarella for feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Remove greens completely and serve over cauliflower rice, use extra virgin olive oil instead of balsamic glaze to reduce carbohydrates.
• Seafood Alternative: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp or seared salmon seasoned with similar Mediterranean herbs for a different protein profile.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs or grilled chicken tenders. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

• How do I know if the chicken is properly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure no pink remains and juices run clear.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Prepare components separately and assemble just before serving to keep the greens crisp and prevent avocado from browning. Store chicken, chopped vegetables, and dressing separately in the refrigerator.

• Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your balsamic glaze and seasonings do not contain any gluten-containing additives if you have strict dietary requirements.

Caprese Chicken Avocado Salad That Tastes Like Summer

• Whip Up Quick Deliciousness: Fast preparation makes this salad perfect for busy weeknights, taking only 20 minutes from start to finish.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients allow swapping greens, proteins, or cheese based on personal preferences or what's available in your kitchen.
• Nutrition-Packed Powerhouse: Loaded with protein from chicken, healthy fats from avocado, and vitamins from fresh vegetables, delivering a balanced and satisfying meal in one bowl.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Professional-level presentation and flavor profile lets you enjoy a gourmet-style dish without expensive restaurant prices or complicated cooking techniques.

Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken meets creamy avocado in this Mediterranean-inspired Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad, blending fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil. Crisp ingredients and zesty dressing create a light, refreshing dish perfect for lunch or dinner that leaves diners craving more.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables and Fruits:

• 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or lettuce)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

Dairy and Seasonings:

• 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

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Instructions

1. Elevate the chicken by massaging it with a blend of fragrant olive oil, zesty garlic powder, aromatic Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Preheat a grill pan or skillet to medium heat, creating a sizzling surface for perfect chicken searing.
3. Cook the seasoned chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, ensuring it reaches a golden-brown exterior and internal temperature indicates complete doneness.
4. Allow the chicken to rest and relax for 5 minutes, then slice it into delicate, tender strips.
5. Create a vibrant bed of mixed greens in a spacious serving bowl, providing a fresh foundation for the salad.
6. Carefully scatter halved cherry tomatoes across the greens, adding bursts of juicy color and tangy flavor.
7. Artfully arrange creamy avocado slices, creating smooth, rich pockets throughout the salad.
8. Sprinkle miniature mozzarella balls, providing delightful cheese pearls that complement the other ingredients.
9. Gently tuck fresh basil leaves into the salad, infusing the dish with an aromatic herbaceous essence.
10. Layer the previously prepared chicken strips atop the colorful vegetable medley.
11. Gracefully drizzle balsamic glaze in elegant swirls, enhancing the salad with a sweet and tangy finish.
12. Serve immediately, presenting a refreshing, light culinary masterpiece bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Notes

• Slice chicken against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier eating experience.
• Ensure chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee food safety without overcooking.
• Substitute grilled chicken with rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken for quick meal prep.
• Keep avocado fresh by adding just before serving to prevent browning and maintain crisp texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 85mg