Zesty Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad Recipe for Fresh Eaters

Summers call for refreshing meals that burst with vibrant chicken avocado caprese salad flavors and colors.

Light, zesty ingredients dance together in this Mediterranean-inspired creation.

Ripe avocados add creamy richness to tender chicken chunks.

Fresh mozzarella melts slightly against warm grilled meat, creating delectable bites.

Juicy tomatoes and fragrant basil leaves bring bright, garden-fresh notes to every forkful.

Drizzled with a tangy balsamic reduction, this salad turns an ordinary lunch into a gourmet experience.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to savor every delicious bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 330 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients List for Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad

• Olive Oil: Helps create a smooth, flavorful coating and prevents sticking during cooking.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tangy depth and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a zesty kick and helps emulsify the marinade.
• Honey: Balances acidity and creates a subtle sweetness for caramelization.
• Chicken Breast: Choose fresh, boneless cuts for tender, lean protein that absorbs marinade beautifully.

• Romaine Lettuce: Crisp foundation that adds crunch and nutritional value.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Burst with sweet, juicy flavor and vibrant color.
• Fresh Basil: Brings aromatic, peppery notes that elevate the entire dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, mild cheese that adds luxurious texture.
• Avocado: Provides rich, buttery smoothness and healthy fats.

• Salt: Enhances and balances all other flavors in the salad.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to the overall taste.

Tools to Make Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad

• Grill Pan or Skillet: Essential for searing chicken to golden perfection.
• Whisk: Perfect for mixing marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Shallow Dish: Helps marinate chicken evenly.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing chicken, avocado, tomatoes, and basil.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise cutting of ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate marinade proportions.
• Serving Platter: Presents the colorful salad beautifully.

Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad – Prep Directions

• Flavor Foundation Whip up a zesty marinade that will infuse the chicken with bold, sunny flavors that dance on your taste buds.
• Chicken Transformation Sear the chicken in a hot pan until it develops a beautiful golden crust, locking in all the delicious juices and creating irresistible caramelized edges.
• Salad Symphony Layer crisp greens with creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and pillowy mozzarella, creating a colorful canvas of textures and tastes.
• Final Flourish Drizzle the reserved marinade over the salad, letting the herbs and citrus notes bring each ingredient to life. Sprinkle with fresh basil for a burst of aromatic freshness that transports you straight to the Mediterranean coastline.

Quick Tips for Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad Success

• Explore personalized twists on this classic salad that elevate flavor and nutrition.
• Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, seared salmon, or roasted tofu for diverse protein options that match your dietary preferences.
• Add quinoa, chickpeas, or mixed seeds to increase protein content and create a more substantial meal that keeps you satisfied longer.
• Experiment with different tomato varieties like cherry, heirloom, or grape tomatoes to add vibrant colors and unique taste profiles throughout the year.
• Substitute mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts or use nutritional yeast for a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.

Serving Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad the Fresh Way

• Elevate Your Plate: Transform this Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad into a complete meal experience with these serving suggestions.
• Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve alongside warm, toasted Italian bread or a rustic baguette to soak up the delicious marinade and add a satisfying crunch to your salad.
• Create a Mediterranean Spread: Complement the dish with olives, roasted red peppers, and a small side of hummus to enhance the Mediterranean flavors and provide additional texture and taste.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Enjoy with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which will beautifully highlight the fresh ingredients and bright flavors of the salad.

Make-Ahead Advice for Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad

• Optimize Meal Preparation: Slice chicken and chop vegetables in advance to streamline assembly, saving valuable time during busy weekdays.
• Extend Freshness Strategy: Store salad components separately in airtight containers to maintain crisp textures and prevent soggy ingredients, keeping each element vibrant and delicious.
• Quick Refrigeration Technique: Keep assembled salad refrigerated and consume within 1-2 days for optimal taste and food safety, avoiding wilted lettuce and browning avocados.
• Smart Leftover Transformation: Repurpose remaining salad ingredients into wraps, sandwiches, or quick pasta dishes to minimize food waste and enjoy creative meal variations.

Vibrant Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired chicken avocado caprese salad blends fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and grilled chicken into a delightful summer dish. Crisp ingredients and zesty dressing invite diners to savor each refreshing bite.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken thigh fillets (skinless, boneless)
• 5 cups romaine lettuce leaves (washed and dried)
• 1 avocado (sliced)
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes (sliced)
• ¼ cup basil leaves (thinly sliced)
• ¼ cup (60 mL) balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) olive oil
• 2 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ cup mini mozzarella or bocconcini cheese balls
• Salt and pepper (to season)

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Instructions

1. Marinate Chicken: Whisk liquid ingredients until smooth, envelop chicken completely in the mixture, reserving some marinade for final dressing.
2. Sear Chicken: Heat oil in grill pan over medium-high flame, cook chicken fillets until golden-brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, allowing 3-5 minutes resting time to preserve juiciness.
3. Slice Protein: Cut rested chicken into uniform 1/4-inch strips for consistent texture and presentation.
4. Compose Salad Foundation: Create a vibrant base using crisp lettuce, then artfully arrange creamy avocado slices, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and pillowy fresh mozzarella cubes.
5. Layer and Garnish: Strategically place chicken strips across the salad, sprinkle delicate basil ribbons for aromatic complexity.
6. Final Touch: Drizzle reserved marinade, season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to elevate flavor profile.
7. Serve Immediately: Present salad at peak freshness to maximize taste and textural elements.

Notes

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let chicken soak in marinade for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance taste and tenderness.
• Perfect Chicken Doneness: Use meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches 165°F, preventing undercooking and ensuring food safety.
• Slice with Precision: Cut chicken against the grain into uniform strips for consistent texture and easier eating experience.
• Serve Fresh and Quick: Assemble salad just before serving to maintain crisp lettuce and prevent ingredients from becoming soggy.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 530 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg