Description
Chicken avocado caprese salad merges Mediterranean freshness with hearty protein in one delightful dish. Succulent grilled chicken, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and smooth mozzarella create a light yet satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 chicken thigh fillets, skin removed (no bone)
Fresh Produce:
- 5 cups romaine lettuce leaves, washed and dried
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced
- ¼ cup basil leaves, thinly sliced
Dressing and Cheese:
- ¼ cup (60 mL) balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons (30 mL) olive oil
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup mini mozzarella / bocconcini cheese balls
- Salt and pepper, to season
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade by thoroughly whisking all liquid ingredients until well blended and smooth.
- Transfer chicken into a shallow container and generously coat with of the prepared marinade, ensuring complete and even coverage. Set aside the remaining marinade for final dressing.
- Warm of cooking oil in a large grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat, creating a hot cooking surface.
- Cook chicken fillets, searing each side until achieving a golden-brown exterior and ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius), indicating complete cooking.
- Allow cooked chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes, which helps retain moisture and allows internal juices to redistribute.
- Slice rested chicken into uniform, thin strips approximately 1/4 inch (0.6 centimeters) wide.
- Construct the salad by layering crisp lettuce as the base, then artfully arrange avocado slices, halved cherry tomatoes, and cubed fresh mozzarella cheese.
- Strategically place chicken strips across the salad’s surface for visual appeal and balanced flavor distribution.
- Garnish with delicately julienned fresh basil leaves.
- Drizzle the reserved marinade over the salad, season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to personal preference.
- Serve immediately to maintain optimal temperature and ingredient freshness.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for enhanced flavor by coating with 4 tablespoons of dressing before cooking.
- Sear chicken over medium-high heat until golden and fully cooked for optimal texture and taste.
- Allow chicken to rest after cooking to retain juices and ensure tenderness.
- Use fresh, ripe avocados and tomatoes for the best salad quality and vibrant presentation.
- Layer ingredients strategically to create a visually appealing and balanced dish.
- Drizzle reserved marinade just before serving to keep salad ingredients crisp and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 365 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg