Description
A fresh and protein-rich Caprese salad featuring juicy grilled chicken, ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic fresh basil, all brought together with a simple balsamic dressing. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is perfect for a healthy lunch or a light dinner that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 600 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Salad
- 3 large tomatoes, sliced
- 250 g fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
Dressing & Garnish
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, coat the chicken breasts evenly with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to ensure the meat is flavorful before grilling.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high temperature, preparing it for cooking the chicken thoroughly and achieving nice grill marks.
- Grill the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
- Rest and slice: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, then slice it into strips for serving.
- Arrange the salad: On a large serving platter, arrange alternating slices of tomato and mozzarella to create a visually appealing base for the salad.
- Add chicken and basil: Top the tomato and mozzarella with the sliced grilled chicken and scatter fresh basil leaves evenly over the salad.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and balsamic glaze over the assembled ingredients, enhancing flavors with a light seasoning of salt and black pepper.
- Serve: Present the salad immediately for the freshest taste and optimal texture.
Notes
- Use ripe, firm tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Add avocado or arugula for extra freshness and a unique twist.
- For meal prep, store the dressing separately and add just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Fresh mozzarella pearls can be used as a substitute for sliced mozzarella for a bite-sized variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad, Main Course, Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
