15 Minute Avocado Caprese Chicken Salad Recipe | Healthy Dinner Idea (2024)

By: Krista

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  • GF

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Rating★★★★★ 4.9 from 19 votes

15 Minute Avocado Caprese Chicken Salad drizzled with a light Balsamic Vinaigrette. Thisquick & easy dinner recipe is a fan favorite! Seared chicken, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and creamy avocados topped with shredded basil. A light refreshing chicken salad recipe that’s perfect for summer!

15 Minute Avocado Caprese Chicken Salad Recipe | Healthy Dinner Idea (1)

Table of Contents

  • What Is Caprese Salad?
  • What do you eat Caprese Salad with?
  • How to make the BEST Avocado Caprese Chicken Salad?
  • Can Caprese Salad be made ahead of time?
  • Get the Recipe

Avocado Caprese Chicken Salad

Ok, y’all we are officially kicking off salad week here at Joyful Healthy Eats.

We got through Easter week and since bikini season is right around the corner, salads seem to become the meal of choice.This Avocado Caprese Chicken Salad may be my new favorite though. You guys know I’m all about salads, I’d have them everyday if I could. (but the hubbie wouldn’t be too thrilled with that) The best part about this Caprese Salad is it takes only 15 minutes to make, and most of that is the cook time for the chicken!

15 Minute Avocado Caprese Chicken Salad Recipe | Healthy Dinner Idea (2)

What Is Caprese Salad?

Caprese Salad is an Italian Salad made with fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, fresh basil and then seasoned with olive oil and salt. Traditionally it is not topped with balsamic vinegar, but over the years a balsamic reduction has been served with it.

What do you eat Caprese Salad with?

  1. Make a Caprese Toast – add some smashed avocado to it and you’ve got yourself breakfast!
  2. Caprese Frittata – add all your favorite caprese ingredients to an egg mixture and make a frittata with it!
  3. Top it on a Pizza – this simple pizza is one of my favorites, drizzle it with a balsamic reduction and it’s a show stopper!
  4. Add the Caprese ingredients to Chicken or Beef.
  5. Make a Caprese Sandwich – warm caprese sandwiches are the best because the cheese is all melty, add some protein to make it more hearty!

Those are just a few ideas when it comes to using the famous Caprese flavors, but honestly the possibilities are endless.

15 Minute Avocado Caprese Chicken Salad Recipe | Healthy Dinner Idea (3)

In today’s recipe we basically put all those same Caprese flavors and threw them in a salad. But I added chicken and some avocado.. because let’s be real… everything is better with avocado!

How to make the BEST Avocado Caprese Chicken Salad?

  1. To make the balsamic dressing: in a small bowl, mix garlic, dry basil, dijon mustard, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Slowly add in olive oil, whisking the entire time until there is no more oil & vinegar separation. Set aside.
  2. Heat grill to medium high heat. Add seasoned chicken breast to grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until there is no more pink.
  3. In a large bowl add spring mix, avocado, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, fresh mozzarella balls, and sliced grilled chicken.
  4. Serve with balsamic vinaigrette

15 Minute Avocado Caprese Chicken Salad Recipe | Healthy Dinner Idea (4)

Can Caprese Salad be made ahead of time?

In all honesty, probably not because the basil will start to wilt or brown. Caprese Salad is at it’s best when it’s made fresh. If you have leftovers, eat them. It will not keep well the next day!

One of my fun tips when making this salad is to use asalad spinnerwhen cleaning the lettuce. It takes seconds and it’s easy clean up.

15 Minute Avocado Caprese Chicken Salad Recipe | Healthy Dinner Idea (5)

I cannot wait to hear what you guys think. This is actually an older recipe that I thought needed a facelift on photos. The first time I made it, Cason was too little to eat it but this time he did and let me tell you, my 7 year old son devoured every last bit of it. (even the remaining lettuce on his plate)

I knew that starting off “salad week” it needed to be with a bang and once you try it I think you’ll agree. It’s definitely a light refreshing bang of flavor!

Bon Appetit friends!

15 Minute Avocado Caprese Chicken Salad Recipe | Healthy Dinner Idea (6)

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15 Minute Avocado Caprese Chicken Salad Recipe | Healthy Dinner Idea (7)

Avocado Caprese Chicken Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 19 reviews

  • Author: Krista
  • Prep Time: 3 mins
  • Cook Time: 12 mins
  • Total Time: 15 mins
  • Yield: 4 salads 1x
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mix
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

15 Minute Avocado Caprese Chicken Salad drizzled with a light Balsamic Vinaigrette. Thisquick easy dinner recipe is a fan favorite! Seared chicken, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes and creamy avocados topped with shredded basil.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 boneless skinless chicken breast
  • salt & pepper to season chicken
  • 1/2 cup of halved fresh mozzarella balls
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 6 cups of fresh spring mix salad
  • 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup of fresh diced basil

Balsamic Vinaigrette:

  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of dry basil
  • 1 tablespoon of dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup of olive oil
  • salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix garlic, dry basil, dijon mustard, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Slowly add in olive oil, whisking the entire time until there is no more oil & vinegar separation. Set aside.
  2. Heat grill to medium high heat. add seasoned chicken breast to grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until there is no more pink.
  3. In a large bowl add spring mix, avocado, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, fresh mozzarella balls, and sliced grilled chicken.
  4. Serve with balsamic vinaigrette

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 salad
  • Calories: 352
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 221 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 64 mg

Filed Under:

  • 30 Minute Meals
  • Chicken
  • Easy Healthy Dinners
  • Gluten-Free
  • Grilling
  • Lunch
  • Salads

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15 Minute Avocado Caprese Chicken Salad Recipe | Healthy Dinner Idea (13)

15 Minute Avocado Caprese Chicken Salad Recipe | Healthy Dinner Idea (14)

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15 Minute Avocado Caprese Chicken Salad Recipe | Healthy Dinner Idea (2024)

FAQs

What do you serve with caprese salad? ›

What to serve with Caprese Salad? The best dishes to serve with Caprese Salad are grilled meat, garlic bread, pasta, or a charcuterie board.

How long does caprese salad last in the fridge? ›

To Make Ahead: This easy Caprese salad is definitely best served fresh but it can stay in the fridge for 2-3 days. If you need to make it ahead of time, slice the mozzarella and tomatoes and store them separately in the refrigerator.

What is caprese chicken made of? ›

This Caprese Chicken has the most flavorful balsamic sauce, seasoned and seared chicken, fresh tomatoes, and basil. It comes together quickly in a skillet before a brief bake in the oven to melt the fresh mozzarella cheese! Be sure to serve this with greens and beans and smashed or roasted potatoes!

What is caprese salad made of? ›

What is Caprese Salad? “Insalata Caprese” literally means “the salad of Capri” which is an Italian island. Caprese salad is typically made by layering slices of fresh mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and basil, then seasoned to perfection, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and sometimes a balsamic glaze.

How are you supposed to eat caprese? ›

It stays fresher and it's really easy to use a fork to break your portion up into bite size pieces. Or just eat it with your hands! Another way to serve a Caprese style salad is to chop everything into bite-size pieces, toss with the olive oil and vinegar, and serve over a bed of lettuce or as a chilled pasta salad.

Why is Caprese salad good for you? ›

It's the most delicious, easy, classic salad: tomatoes, basil and mozzarella. And now you can feel better than ever about enjoying it. Japanese researchers say that tomatoes may contain important compounds that can help protect you from vascular disease, a form of cardiovascular disease that affects the blood vessels.

What is a substitute for mozzarella in caprese salad? ›

If you don't eat cheese, just leave out the mozzarella or add avocado – it is satisfying and substantial and you will get a similar flavor from the fresh basil, olive oil and vinegar. If you have bush basil (the tiny leaf variety), you can use it in place of the traditional Genovese basil.

What is a good substitute for tomatoes in caprese salad? ›

Use persimmons instead of tomatoes. It's hard to find sweet tomatoes during the winter. Turns out, persimmons are great with mozzarella and basil.

What kind of tomatoes do you use for caprese? ›

When selecting tomatoes, choose fragrant ones that smell earthy at the stem end and feel heavy for their size. Avoid any with wrinkled skins. You can also make a caprese with smaller tomato varieties, such as plum, roma, cherry, grape, or sungold.

What does caprese mean in Italian? ›

As it's called in Italian, Insalata caprese, Caprese salad literally means “Salad of Capri.” Although nobody knows whether or not the salad was actually first made on the Italian island, it likely originated from a dish made in Capri from a different type of cheese, cacio, served with tomatoes.

Why is it called caprese? ›

The salad is named after the island of Capri, where it is believed to have originated. Two common stories about its origin include it being an homage to the Italian flag or "in the 20th century to appease the palates of vacationing royalty and important politicos".

Is caprese actually Italian? ›

The first origin story for Caprese salad dates back to post-World War I Italy. A patriotic mason wanted to make a dish that was a true tribute to Italy and that visually incorporated the tricolor into the presentation. The first printed mention of the Caprese salad was on a menu at the Hotel Quisisana.

What kind of mozzarella is used in caprese? ›

Ovolini mozzarella is just one size down from your standard large ball, perfect for when you're making a caprese for just one or two people. It can be made with buffalo milk, cow's milk, or a combination, but inside the states, it will be made with 100 percent cow's milk.

What is a substitute for basil in Caprese salad? ›

Spinach, particularly baby spinach, can be a great substitute for basil in dishes where the herb would be served raw, like pesto or Caprese salads. Spinach provides similar color and texture to fresh basil, although it lacks some of the herb's aromatic nuance.

What cheese goes best with tomatoes? ›

Fresh chevre or fromage blanc, tender mozzarella, and even luscious mascarpone pair perfectly with summer's bounty. You just need a slab of toast to serve them on, and maybe a drizzle of olive oil, pinch of flaky sea salt, handful of fresh herbs, or sprinkle of everything spice to finish the dish.

What do you serve with a caprese sandwich? ›

Caprese Sandwich Serving Suggestions

This Caprese sandwich is a satisfying meal on its own, but it goes well with all sorts of sides, too. Keep things simple, and serve it with your favorite chips and fresh fruit, or pair it with chopped fresh veggies and a flavorful dip like hummus, baba ganoush, or white bean dip.

What's the difference between burrata and caprese? ›

Burrata is a soft cheese ball with a creamy center, whereas caprese is a simple Italian salad that can be made with either burrata or fresh mozzarella. What is the difference between burrata and mozzarella? Burrata and mozzarella are both creamy, white, semi-soft Italian cheeses very similar in appearance.

What does caprese mean in a salad? ›

: a salad consisting of slices of mozzarella and tomatoes, basil, and olive oil or Italian dressing.

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