I’m so happy to share this bright and tasty Chicken Caprese Salad recipe with you. It is a simple mix of juicy chicken, fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and soft avocado, all tied together with a sweet and tangy balsamic dressing. Every bite feels refreshing and filling at the same time. It is quick to make, gentle on prep, and perfect when you want something light but satisfying. I love how the fresh basil brings the whole bowl to life.
Level: Easy
Total Time: about 20 to 25 minutes
Prep Time: about 5 minutes
Cook Time: about 12 to 15 minutes
Yield: about 4 servings
Course: Lunch or Dinner
Cuisine: Italian inspired
I still remember the first time I tried making this salad at home. The kitchen smelled bright and fresh from the balsamic and basil, and I knew it would taste amazing even before I took the first bite.
This recipe is special because it keeps everything simple. You get juicy chicken cooked in a sweet and tangy marinade, soft mozzarella balls, sweet tomatoes, creamy avocado, and crisp lettuce all in one bowl. The dressing works both as a marinade and as a topping, which makes the whole thing extra easy.
It is great for busy days, light dinners, or even a meal you pack ahead. The flavors stay fresh and strong, and every part of the salad works well with the others.
How to Make Chicken Caprese Salad
This salad mixes sweet tomatoes, creamy cheese, tender chicken, and a bright balsamic dressing. Here is how everything fits together.
• Mix a simple balsamic marinade that also acts as the dressing
• Coat the chicken with a small portion of the marinade
• Sear the chicken until golden and fully cooked
• Slice the chicken into strips
• Toss lettuce, avocado, tomatoes, and mozzarella in a bowl
• Add fresh basil on top for a bright pop
• Drizzle the saved dressing over the finished salad
• Season gently with salt and pepper
• Serve right away while the chicken is warm
Once everything is mixed, you get a salad that tastes fresh, rich, and very easy to enjoy.
Ingredients
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 boneless skinless chicken thigh fillets
• 5 cups Romaine lettuce, washed and dried
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced
• 1/2 cup mozzarella balls or bocconcini
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
• 1 pinch salt to season
• 1 pinch pepper to season
Directions
- Make the Marinade:
- Mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, garlic, dried basil, and salt in a bowl.
- Stir until everything looks smooth.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish.
- Pour about 4 tablespoons of the marinade over the chicken and turn it so every piece is coated.
- Save the rest of the marinade for the dressing.
- Heat the Pan:
- Warm about 1 teaspoon of oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium high heat.
- Make sure the pan is hot before adding the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Place the chicken in the pan and cook each side for about 5 to 7 minutes, until golden and cooked all the way through.
- Let the chicken rest on a plate for a few minutes.
- Slice the Chicken:
- Cut the cooked chicken into strips that are easy to eat.
- Keep them warm on the side.
- Prepare the Salad Base:
- Add lettuce, tomato slices, avocado, and mozzarella balls to a large bowl.
- Toss gently so everything spreads out evenly.
- Add the Chicken:
- Place the warm chicken strips on top of the salad mixture.
- The warmth helps the flavors blend.
- Add Final Touches:
- Sprinkle the basil leaves over the top.
- Drizzle with the saved dressing.
- Add a little salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Enjoy right away before the avocado browns and while the chicken is still tender.
Process Details
• Simple Marinade: The balsamic mix gives both the chicken and the salad a sweet and tangy flavor that feels light and fresh.
• Cooking the Chicken: Searing the chicken in a hot pan helps it turn golden without drying out.
• Resting the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest helps keep the juices inside so every bite stays tender.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using crisp lettuce and soft mozzarella makes the salad taste bright and clean.
• Balancing Creaminess: The avocado adds a smooth feel that balances the tang of the balsamic nicely.
• Basil for Aroma: Sliced basil adds a gentle herb smell that brings a classic Caprese taste to the bowl.
Tips for Success
• Use thighs if you want juicier chicken, or swap for chicken breasts if you want something leaner.
• Only use the untouched marinade for dressing, never the one used on raw chicken.
• Cherry or grape tomatoes both work well, so use whatever you have.
• Fresh mozzarella balls give the best texture, but any mozzarella will do if cut into small pieces.
• Romaine is crisp, but spinach or butter lettuce also work as the salad base.
• Add sliced red onion if you want a small bite of sharpness.
• Let the chicken cool slightly before slicing so it stays tender.
Serving Ideas
• Serve it in a big bowl with crusty bread on the side.
• Enjoy it with a light soup for a cozy meal.
• Add extra basil or cheese for a richer bowl.
• Pair it with cold fruit for a refreshing lunch.
• Wrap leftovers in a soft tortilla for a simple chicken wrap.
Storage & Freezing
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for about 2 to 3 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible.
• Freezing: This salad does not freeze well because the avocado and lettuce lose their texture.
• Reheating Chicken: Warm the chicken gently in a pan or in the microwave for a few seconds.
• Keeping It Fresh: Add new avocado and basil when serving leftovers so the salad tastes bright again.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: ~350
• Protein: about 25g
• Carbohydrates: about 14g
• Fat: about 22g
• Fiber: about 4g
• Sodium: about 700mg
• Sugar: about 6g
This Chicken Caprese Salad brings together juicy chicken, creamy cheese, sweet tomatoes, and a bright balsamic dressing in one simple bowl. It is fresh, satisfying, and gentle enough for any day of the week.
I hope you enjoy making this salad as much as I do. It is easy, colorful, and full of flavor, and I think it will become one of your favorite quick meals.
