Chicken Caprese Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines the classic flavors of a Caprese salad with tender, juicy chicken. Here’s a detailed recipe to guide you through making this wonderful salad:
Ingredients:
- Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salad:
- 4 cups fresh arugula or mixed greens
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced or in small balls (bocconcini)
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Dressing:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the Salad:
- On a large serving platter or in a salad bowl, arrange the arugula or mixed greens as the base.
- Add the cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and sliced avocado on top of the greens.
- Place the sliced chicken over the salad.
- Dress the Salad:
- Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salad.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Serve:
- Serve the Chicken Caprese Salad immediately, enjoying the combination of fresh flavors and textures.
Tips:
- For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the dressing for an hour before cooking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumbers or roasted red peppers for extra color and crunch.
- A sprinkle of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the finished salad can enhance the flavors even more.
Enjoy your Chicken Caprese Salad as a light lunch or a refreshing dinner, perfect for warm weather!
