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)

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

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

FAQs

What do you eat with a caprese salad? ›

Caprese salad makes a scrumptious quick lunch at home, or you can serve it with grilled steak kabobs for an easy summer dinner! It's just as perfect for a full blown Italian-inspired feast with spaghetti and meatballs and garlic cheese bread. Oh, and tiramisu for dessert?

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.

Is a caprese salad good for weight loss? ›

Indulge guilt-free in Caprese Salad, as it provides a satisfying and nutrient-rich meal option with minimal calories, perfect for supporting weight loss goals.

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.

What tomato is best 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.

How healthy is caprese? ›

Caprese Salad is naturally low in calories and carbohydrates, making it a light and refreshing option for summer meals.

What cheese goes 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 ethnicity is Caprese salad? ›

The caprese salad is a classic Italian dish that has gained popularity all over the world. The salad is made with fresh tomato, fresh mozzarella slices, basil, olive oil, salt, pepper, and is traditionally placed on a plate in a layered circular pattern.

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.

What is another name for a caprese? ›

One of the most delicious dishes found in all of Italian cuisine is Caprese salad or the Insalata Caprese. This dish marries some of the most notable ingredients in Italian cuisine including tomatoes, olive oil, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil.

What to pair with Caprese salad? ›

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

What is a substitute for balsamic vinegar in Caprese salad? ›

For every 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar, substitute 1 Tbsp. cider vinegar or red wine vinegar plus ½ tsp. sugar.

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 side dishes go with caprese sandwiches? ›

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 do Italians eat burrata with? ›

It goes particularly well with fresh tomatoes and arugula, but you could also pair it with a prosciutto pizza.

What should I eat with mozzarella? ›

8 Ways to Use Mozzarella
  • Potato croquettes. Upgrade your mozzarella sticks and mix mozzarella with herbed mashed potatoes; coat with bread crumbs and fry until crisp. ...
  • Risotto. How do you make a vegetable risotto more decadent? ...
  • Arancini. Yep, another way to fry mozzarella. ...
  • Frittata. ...
  • Enchiladas. ...
  • Cream sauce. ...
  • Arepas. ...
  • Timballo.
May 23, 2017

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