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–+ servings
Caprese chicken salad 1

Caprese Chicken Salad

This Caprese chicken salad brilliantly combines Italy's beloved caprese flavors with protein-packed chicken in a dish that takes just minutes to prepare but delivers restaurant-quality results. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep throughout the week.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad
Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Small Bowl for Dressing
  • Cutting Board
  • Chef's Knife

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast diced or shredded (about 2 medium breasts)
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls or regular mozzarella cubed
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves thinly sliced
  • 2 cups mixed salad greens optional

Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze for drizzling
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • If you haven't already cooked your chicken, season two chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Grill or bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 20-25 minutes at 375°F). Allow to cool completely before dicing into bite-sized pieces.
  • Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes, allowing them to drain on a paper towel to prevent excess moisture in your salad.
  • If using regular mozzarella instead of pearls, cut it into ½-inch cubes that match the size of your chicken pieces for the perfect bite.
  • Stack and roll the basil leaves before slicing them into thin ribbons (chiffonade technique).
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.
  • In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and half of the basil.
  • Pour the dressing over the ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  • Transfer the salad to a serving dish or individual plates. If using, place a bed of mixed greens on the plate first, then top with the Caprese chicken mixture.
  • Drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with the remaining fresh basil.

Notes

Pro Tips:
  • For a dairy-free version, swap mozzarella with avocado chunks
  • Rotisserie chicken works beautifully for an even quicker preparation
  • Allow mozzarella to come to room temperature for 15 minutes before adding to the salad for more vibrant flavor
  • Adding a tiny pinch of honey (about ¼ teaspoon) to your dressing will help it emulsify better
  • For meal prep, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain optimal freshness

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 29gFat: 20gSodium: 310mgFiber: 1g
Keyword Caprese Salad, Chicken Salad, Low Carb, Meal Prep, Healthy Meal, Protein Rich
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