Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad

Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad

If you’re looking for a fresh and flavorful salad that combines the creaminess of avocado, the juiciness of tomatoes, and the richness of grilled chicken, this Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad is perfect for you. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious, with a blend of textures and flavors that will leave you feeling satisfied.

Ingredients:

Marinade/Dressing:

• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt

Salad:

• 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
• ½ cup bocconcini (small mozzarella balls)
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade/Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, dried basil, and salt until well combined. This mixture will serve as both a marinade for the chicken and a dressing for the salad.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thigh fillets in a shallow dish and pour 4 tablespoons of the prepared marinade over them. Stir the chicken around to ensure it’s evenly coated. Cover and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat. Set aside the remaining marinade to use as a dressing later.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat about one teaspoon of oil in a large grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken fillets and cook on each side until they are golden, crispy, and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes per side). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
4. Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl or serving platter, arrange the Romaine or cos lettuce leaves. Top with sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, bocconcini, and the sliced grilled chicken.
5. Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the thinly sliced basil leaves over the top of the salad. Drizzle the reserved marinade/dressing over the salad, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Quick Tips:

• For a lighter version, you can substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breasts.
• To add a bit of crunch, consider topping the salad with toasted pine nuts or croutons.
• This salad pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Calories: 350 Kcal per serving
• Servings: 4

This Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad is a delightful meal that brings together the best of a classic Caprese with the heartiness of grilled chicken. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, it’s sure to be a hit at your table!