Caprese Chicken Salad boasts flavor-packed chicken breasts, vibrant greens, creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and the irresistible pop of mini mozzarella balls. Topped off with a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette, this salad is a flavor explosion waiting to happen. Your dinner table never looked so good! If you are looking for delicious and simple salads, make sure to check out our Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad too!
Ingredients and Substitutions
Elevate your Caprese Chicken Salad by exploring creative ingredient substitutions that add variety and cater to your taste preferences:
- Protein Variation: For a delightful protein switch-up, experiment with grilled shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas. Each option brings its unique texture and flavor, transforming your salad into a diverse culinary experience.
- Cheese Alternatives: Diversify the cheese element by opting for feta or goat cheese. These alternatives introduce a different dimension, adding a tangy or creamy note that complements the overall composition of the salad.
- Greens Exchange: Give your salad a distinct twist by swapping spinach for Romaine lettuce or mixed greens. This substitution not only alters the flavor profile but also introduces varying textures, creating a delightful contrast that keeps your taste buds intrigued. Embrace these ingredient substitutions to tailor your Caprese Chicken Salad to your liking, making it a truly personalized and delicious dish.
Storage Tips
Follow these simple storage tips for to get the most out of your Caprese Chicken Salad:
- Chicken: Once cooked, store the chicken in a separate container in the refrigerator. This not only preserves it but also prevents the mingling of flavors with other salad ingredients.
- Vegetables and Greens: Keep the vibrant combination of spinach, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and basil at their best by storing them in airtight containers. This shields them from external odors and helps retain their crisp texture. To further enhance freshness, consider placing a paper towel in the container to absorb any excess moisture, ensuring your salad ingredients stay as vibrant as the day you prepared them. These storage practices will extend the life of your Caprese Chicken Salad, allowing you to enjoy its delightful taste for days to come
How to Make the BEST Caprese Chicken Salad
These tips will ensure that you have the best salad each and every time!
- Let the chicken marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes to enhance its flavor.
- Save the balsamic vinaigrette until just before serving to maintain the crunch of the greens.
- Allow the mini mozzarella balls to reach room temperature for a standout addition to your salad.
Caprese Chicken Salad
Ingredients
CHICKEN
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds), pounded evenly
SALAD
- 5 cups fresh spinach
- 1 medium avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup mini mozzarella cheese balls
- ¼ cup basil leaves, thinly sliced
- ½ cup balsamic vinaigrette, adjust to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken evenly with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken and cook undisturbed for 4-6 minutes. Flip and repeat on the other side until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove chicken from the skillet, let it rest for 5 minutes, and then slice.
- In a large bowl, combine spinach, sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves. Top with sliced chicken and dressing.
- Toss well and serve
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