Grilled Chicken Caprese Salad (Print)

Juicy grilled chicken paired with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil in a light, tangy balsamic glaze.

# Components:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 10.6 oz)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
05 - 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

→ Salad

06 - 3 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
07 - 7 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
08 - 1 cup fresh basil leaves
09 - 3.5 oz mixed salad greens

→ Dressing

10 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
11 - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
12 - 1 teaspoon honey
13 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# Method:

01 - Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
02 - Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
03 - Grill the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
04 - Arrange tomato slices, mozzarella slices, and basil leaves on a large platter or individual plates. Add mixed salad greens if desired.
05 - Layer the grilled chicken slices over the salad components.
06 - In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze, honey, and season with salt and pepper.
07 - Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad immediately before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in half an hour but tastes like you fussed over it for much longer.
  • The combination of warm grilled chicken with cool mozzarella and tomatoes creates this incredible contrast that keeps every bite interesting.
  • You can prep the components ahead and assemble right before serving, making it perfect for casual entertaining.
  • It's naturally gluten free and feels indulgent while still being light and nourishing.
02 -
  • Let the chicken rest after grilling or all those lovely juices will run out onto the cutting board instead of staying in the meat.
  • Don't dress the salad too early or the acid in the balsamic will start breaking down the tomatoes and basil, making everything soggy.
  • If your balsamic glaze is too thick, warm it gently for a few seconds so it drizzles smoothly instead of clumping.
03 -
  • Use buffalo mozzarella if you can find it, the creamy texture and delicate flavor take this salad to another level.
  • Grill extra chicken and use it throughout the week in wraps, grain bowls, or tossed with pasta.
  • If your tomatoes aren't perfectly ripe, roast them for 10 minutes to concentrate their sweetness before assembling the salad.
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