Description
This recipe combines grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and classic Caprese ingredients for a fresh, protein-rich salad. It uses a simple balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained and halved
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for dressing)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-fry the chicken over medium heat until fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F), about 6-8 minutes per side. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Prepare the balsamic glaze: Combine the balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vinegar reduces slightly and thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large bowl, gently combine the halved tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil.
- Add the sliced grilled chicken and diced avocado to the bowl.
- Drizzle the 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over the salad ingredients.
- Arrange the salad on serving plates. Drizzle the prepared balsamic glaze lightly over the top of each serving just before eating.
Notes
- You can cook the chicken ahead of time for quick assembly later.
- Use high-quality fresh mozzarella for the best texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a thinner dressing, skip reducing the balsamic vinegar and simply whisk it with the extra virgin olive oil and honey.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Grilling/Assembly
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 23
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 8
- Protein: 45
- Cholesterol: 130