Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad Recipe

This Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that comes together quickly and effortlessly—perfect for busy weeknights or a refreshing weekend lunch. Juicy grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and sweet cherry tomatoes meet the rich tang of balsamic glaze and fresh mozzarella, creating a salad that’s hearty, satisfying, and utterly irresistible. It’s a fresh twist on the classic Caprese, with just enough protein to turn it into a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Fuss-Free: This salad takes just minutes to put together, especially if you have leftover chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken on hand.
• Seriously Delicious: The creamy avocado, the melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella, and the zippy balsamic glaze take this to a whole new level.
• Light but Filling: Thanks to the lean chicken and healthy fats from avocado, this dish is both nourishing and satisfying.
• Versatile: It works as a light lunch, a hearty dinner, or even a picnic favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Breast: Grilled or pan-seared for juicy, protein-packed bites. You can also use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken in a pinch.
• Avocado: Adds creaminess and richness. Make sure it’s ripe but still firm so it holds its shape.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Their natural sweetness and juicy texture are essential to balance the richness of the other ingredients.
• Fresh Mozzarella: Opt for mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine) for easy layering and great texture.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Brings a pop of freshness and classic Caprese flavor—don’t skip it.
• Balsamic Glaze: Adds a tangy-sweet depth and finishes the salad beautifully.
• Olive Oil: A good drizzle enhances everything and brings the ingredients together.
• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste. A little flaky salt at the end really makes the flavors pop.

Variations

• Go Green: Swap out chicken for grilled shrimp or salmon for a pescatarian version.
• Low Carb Bowl: Ditch the mozzarella and add a soft-boiled egg for a high-protein, dairy-free twist.
• Grains Welcome: Add quinoa, couscous, or farro for extra texture and to turn it into a grain bowl.
• Dressing Swap: Try lemon vinaigrette or a light pesto drizzle instead of balsamic glaze for a different flavor profile.
• Add Crunch: Toss in some pine nuts, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for texture.

How to Make Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder. Grill or sear in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden and cooked through. Let rest, then slice.

Step 2: Prep the Ingredients

Slice the cherry tomatoes in halves, dice the avocado, and tear or slice the mozzarella balls if they’re large. Gently wash and pat dry your basil leaves.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

On a large serving platter or bowl, layer the sliced chicken, avocado, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze generously over the top.

Step 4: Season and Serve

Sprinkle with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Give everything a gentle toss or leave it layered for a more elegant presentation. Serve immediately!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Room Temp Ingredients: This brings out the best flavors, especially in the tomatoes and mozzarella.
• Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking, rest the chicken for at least 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
• Ripe Avocados Only: If the avocados are underripe, they won’t give you that creamy texture. If they’re too soft, they’ll mush when mixed.
• Balsamic Glaze, Not Vinegar: The glaze is thicker and slightly sweet—ideal for drizzling. If using balsamic vinegar, reduce it down on the stove until syrupy.

How to Serve

This salad shines as a standalone meal but is also incredibly flexible:

As a Main Dish:

Serve it chilled or at room temperature with a slice of crusty sourdough bread or garlic toast.

As a Side:

Perfect next to grilled steak, salmon, or even pasta.

Picnic or Potluck:

Pack it in a container without the avocado and glaze—add those right before serving to keep it fresh.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If possible, store the avocado separately and add fresh when serving to prevent browning.

Freezing

Not recommended. The textures of the avocado, tomatoes, and mozzarella don’t freeze well.

Reheating

This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If using warm chicken, reheat it separately and add just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought balsamic glaze?
Yes! It’s a huge time-saver and adds fantastic flavor. Just make sure it’s a thicker glaze, not plain balsamic vinegar.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?
If making ahead, toss the avocado pieces with a little lemon juice or lime juice to slow oxidation.

What kind of chicken works best?
Grilled chicken breast is ideal, but shredded rotisserie chicken or even leftover roast chicken works wonderfully in a pinch.

Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Absolutely. Just leave out the mozzarella and maybe add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad is everything a great salad should be—fresh, flavorful, filling, and unbelievably easy to throw together. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again, especially when you’re short on time but still want something that feels special. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite salad!

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