Description
Chicken Salad Caprese is a refreshing and flavorful twist on the classic Caprese salad, combining tender shredded chicken breast with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil, all dressed in a balsamic glaze and olive oil. This simple yet elegant salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a satisfying appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Dairy
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, diced
Dressing
- ¼ cup balsamic glaze
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or bake them until fully cooked. Allow the chicken to cool, then shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes. Chop the fresh basil leaves finely to release their aroma and flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced fresh mozzarella, and chopped basil leaves.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over the combined ingredients. Gently toss the salad to evenly coat all components with the dressing.
- Season to Taste: Sample the salad and adjust seasoning by adding more salt and pepper as desired to enhance the flavors.
- Chill (Optional): For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish or individual bowls for an attractive presentation. Enjoy your vibrant and delicious Chicken Salad Caprese!
Notes
- Using freshly cooked chicken breast ensures the best flavor, but leftover rotisserie chicken can be a convenient alternative.
- For a lower-fat version, use part-skim mozzarella cheese.
- The balsamic glaze adds sweetness and tanginess; if unavailable, you can reduce balsamic vinegar until it thickens into a glaze.
- This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature depending on your preference.
- Adding a handful of baby arugula or spinach can add extra greens and texture.
- Make sure to chop basil just before assembly to maintain freshness and vibrant color.
