Ah, summer—when the days stretch long and the heat gently presses down, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as a vibrant dish that feels like a cool breeze. This Chicken Caprese Salad is your go-to for those sun-drenched afternoons, bursting with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil. It’s like capturing a picnic in Italy without leaving your backyard (or even your air-conditioned kitchen).
Steps
- Mix together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, and dried basil to create the marinade. Pour 4 tablespoons of this marinade over the chicken placed in a shallow dish, ensuring even coverage, and save the remaining marinade for later use as a dressing.
- Heat a teaspoon of oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken fillets on each side until they are golden brown, crispy, and fully cooked. Once done, set the chicken aside to rest.
- Cut the rested chicken into strips. In a large bowl, combine Romaine lettuce, avocado slices, cherry or grape tomatoes, bocconcini, and the sliced chicken. Sprinkle thinly sliced basil leaves on top.
- Drizzle the reserved marinade over the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately.
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 skinless chicken thigh fillets (boneless)
- 5 cups Romaine or cos lettuce leaves, washed and dried
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced
- 1/2 cup bocconcini (fresh mozzarella balls)
- 1/4 cup basil leaves, thinly sliced
- 1 pinch salt, to taste
- 1 pinch pepper, to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1392kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 104g | Fat: 88g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Monounsaturated Fat: 48g | Trans Fat: 0.08g | Cholesterol: 448mg | Sodium: 2872mg | Potassium: 3128mg | Fiber: 20g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 21,924IU | Vitamin C: 64mg | Calcium: 400mg | Iron: 8mg
FAQ
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this salad?
- Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the thighs if you prefer.
- What type of tomatoes work best in this salad?
- You can use cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, or opt for chopped Roma tomatoes if you prefer a different texture.
- Is it necessary to use fresh mozzarella balls?
- Fresh mozzarella balls are recommended for the best flavor and texture, but you can use any size of mozzarella if mini balls are not available.
- What greens can I use as a base for this salad?
- Romaine, butter, iceberg, or spinach are all suitable choices for the base of the salad.
- Can the balsamic marinade be used as a dressing?
- Yes, but ensure you reserve a portion of the fresh marinade for dressing the salad and do not reuse the marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken.
Tips
- Use only a portion of the balsamic marinade on the chicken and keep the rest as a fresh dressing for the salad. Avoid using the marinade that has touched raw chicken.
- For the best results, sear the chicken until the edges are crispy and golden. Although the recipe uses boneless, skinless thighs, you can substitute with chicken breasts if preferred.
- To add flexibility, consider using different types of tomatoes; swap cherry tomatoes with grape or chopped Roma tomatoes. Also, feel free to choose between romaine, butter, iceberg, or spinach as the salad base.
- Fresh mozzarella balls are recommended for this dish. If mini mozzarella balls are unavailable, you can use larger ones and cut them to the desired size.
Equipment
- Grill pan or skillet – Essential for searing the chicken fillets to achieve a crispy and golden finish.
- Whisk – Useful for combining the marinade ingredients effectively.
