I love this twist on a classic salad. I adore how the grilled chicken, marinated in a tangy balsamic blend, pairs with creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella. The basil adds a lively finish, creating a vibe that is both effortlessly cool and deeply satisfying in every bite.

Jump to Recipe

I always love sharing simple yet nutritious meals that are quick to put together. My Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad is one of my fav recipes because it packs a lot of flavor and good nutrition in every bite.

I start with 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts seasoned with salt, black pepper and garlic powder then marinate them in olive oil. I add extra zing with a balsamic marinade mixed with 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, honey, dijon mustard and minced garlic.

After cooking the chicken, I toss in diced ripe avocado, halved cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Topping it off with basil leaves gives it a fresh twist that reminds me of classic Mediterranean dishes and other healthy salad ideas.

This recipe is not only a best salad recipe but also works as a low carb dinner if you are in the mood for a nutritious and satisfying meal its packed with protein, healthy fats and vitamins.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love that this recipe brings together tons of cool flavors. The balsamic vinegar mixed with honey and the other seasonings gives the chicken this tangy yet sweet kick that makes every bite super fun.

I like how it’s really simple and fast to make. Even when I’m in a rush after school, I can throw together the salad with fresh ingredients like avocado, tomatoes, and mozzarella and still feel like I’m eating something special.

The mix of textures is awesome too. I dig how the grilled, juicy chicken contrasts with the creamy avocado and soft mozzarella. Every bite feels interesting and doesn’t get boring.

Lastly, I appreciate that it feels like a healthy choice but also tastes incredibly rich. The balance of flavors from the marinade and fresh veggies makes me feel like I’m enjoying a treat that’s also good for me.

Ingredients

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

Chicken breasts: Lean protein that helps build muscle and brings rich flavor when grilled.
Avocado: Creamy, healthy fats with fiber, making the salad extra filling and tasty.
Cherry tomatoes: Juicy, sweet and tangy, loaded with vitamins and antioxidants for a boost.
Fresh mozzarella: Mild, creamy dairy that perfectly contrasts with the acidic tomatoes.
Basil leaves: Fragrant herb offering fresh, slightly spicy notes in every bite.
Olive oil: Heart-healthy fat that aids in marinating and boosting overall flavor.
Garlic cloves: Aromatic and versatile, infusing warmth and a slight pungent kick.
Balsamic dressing: Tart vinegar mixed with Dijon mustard and honey balances the dish.
Dijon mustard: Sharp and tangy, thickening the dressing for a robust, mouthwatering flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)

Salt to taste

Black pepper to taste

1 teaspoon garlic powder

2 tablespoons olive oil (for marinating the chicken)

3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon honey

1 teaspoon dijon mustard

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 ripe avocado, diced

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or 2 large tomatoes diced)

8 oz fresh mozzarella (sliced or in small balls)

A handful of fresh basil leaves

How to Make this

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

1. First, season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, dijon mustard, and minced garlic until well combined.

3. Place the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour half of the balsamic mixture over it, letting it marinate for about 10 minutes.

4. While the chicken marinates, prep the salad by halving the cherry tomatoes and dicing the ripe avocado.

5. Heat a grill pan or regular skillet over medium heat and cook the marinated chicken ends for about 6 to 7 minutes per side or until fully cooked.

6. Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes then slice it into strips.

7. In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, avocado, fresh mozzarella pieces, and a handful of basil leaves.

8. Add the sliced chicken to the salad and pour over the remaining balsamic dressing.

9. Gently toss everything together, taste and adjust seasonings if needed, then serve immediately and enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. A small mixing bowl for whisking together the dressing ingredients
2. A whisk (or even a fork can work) to blend the marinade
3. A resealable bag or shallow dish to marinate the chicken
4. A grill pan or regular skillet for cooking the marinated chicken
5. A cutting board for prepping the tomatoes, avocado, and garlic
6. A sharp knife for slicing the chicken and dicing the produce
7. A large bowl to toss all the salad ingredients together
8. Tongs or a spatula to flip the chicken while cooking

FAQ

Can I substitute the chicken with a different protein?

Yeah, you totally can swap the chicken for shrimp or even tofu if you prefer a vegetarian twist. It still tastes pretty amazing.

Do i really need to marinate the chicken?

Marinating helps a lot with flavor so its recommended to let it sit for at least 30 minutes, but if you're in a rush, you can skip it though it might be a bit less juicy.

What should i do if i dont have fresh mozzarella?

Fresh mozzarella give the best caprese taste, but you can use regular mozzarella if thats all you got. It might not melt the same but it still works fine.

Can i prepare the salad in advance?

You can prep most of the ingredients ahead of time like chopping the veggies and cooking the chicken, but mix everything together right before serving so the salad stays fresh.

How can i adjust the flavors to my liking?

If you love a little kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or extra lemon juice for some tangyness. Tweak it based on your taste and enjoy!

Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of using chicken breasts, you can use turkey breast or even chicken thighs, which might be juicier and more affordable.
If you don’t have fresh mozzarella, try using burrata or goat cheese. They provide a different texture and still works well with the other flavors.
For balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be a good substitute. They might change the flavor a bit, but its still delish.
You can swap garlic powder with a few extra minced garlic cloves if you’re after a more pronounced garlic taste.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your grill pan or skillet is real hot before you start cookin the chicken – it helps to seal in the juices and gives a nice char flavor, so don’t be afraid to let it heat up for a few extra minutes.
2. When marinating, if you have time try to poke a few little cuts in the chicken breasts so the flavors really get inside; this can really boost the taste even if you don’t have a lot of minutes to marinate.
3. Let the chicken rest for a bit after cookin it before you slice it. This helps keep it juicy and stop the juices from spilling out when you cut into it.
4. When you’re tossin the salad with the tomatoes, avocado, mozzarella, and basil, be gentle so the avocado doesn’t turn mushy and mixin up too much with the dressing. Enjoy experimentin and adjusting the seasonings if you feel like it!