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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Whisk liquid ingredients until smooth, envelop chicken completely in the mixture, reserving some marinade for final dressing.
- 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.
- Slice Protein: Cut rested chicken into uniform 1/4-inch strips for consistent texture and presentation.
- Compose Salad Foundation: Create a vibrant base using crisp lettuce, then artfully arrange creamy avocado slices, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and pillowy fresh mozzarella cubes.
- Layer and Garnish: Strategically place chicken strips across the salad, sprinkle delicate basil ribbons for aromatic complexity.
- Final Touch: Drizzle reserved marinade, season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to elevate flavor profile.
- 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