Caprese Salad with Chicken: The quintessential Italian blend of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella, elegantly transformed into a hearty and satisfying main course with the addition of perfectly grilled chicken.

Caprese Salad with Grilled Chicken: A Fresh & Flavorful Summer Entree

As the days lengthen and the sun warms the earth, there’s a unique anticipation for the vibrant flavors of summer. For many, this means the first ripe tomatoes, the aromatic burst of fresh basil, and the creamy indulgence of mozzarella. The classic Caprese salad, a symphony of these three simple ingredients, is a testament to the beauty of fresh produce. But what if you could elevate this beloved appetizer into a complete, satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch? Enter the Caprese Salad with Grilled Chicken – a culinary transformation that delivers both freshness and fulfillment.

This dish captures the essence of Italian summer and marries it with the wholesome goodness of lean protein. It’s an ideal choice for anyone seeking a light yet hearty meal, especially those who appreciate a substantial entree. Whether you’re a devoted “meat and potatoes” enthusiast looking for a lighter option or simply craving a taste of the garden, adding a tender, grilled chicken breast turns this delightful salad into a truly complete and family-friendly offering. Imagine succulent pieces of grilled chicken, seasoned just right, nestled amongst sweet cherry tomatoes, soft mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves, all lightly drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette. It’s a culinary experience that promises to be both refreshing and deeply satisfying.

Embracing Garden Freshness: The Joy of Seasonal Ingredients

Few things rival the taste of a truly fresh, sun-ripened tomato, still warm from the vine. This simple pleasure is at the heart of Caprese salad. My own garden, where new green shoots of herbs like basil, rosemary, and dill eagerly emerge, always inspires me to create dishes that celebrate the bounty of nature. Even before August arrives with its peak tomato harvest, the yearning for these fresh flavors becomes irresistible.

Embracing seasonal eating isn’t just about taste; it’s a commitment to healthier living and supporting sustainable practices. Campaigns like American Family Insurance’s #ChooseDreams, which encourages families to make healthy food choices and get active, perfectly align with this philosophy. Planting a small herb garden or even a pot of cherry tomatoes on a balcony or patio can provide a continuous supply of fresh, organic produce right at your fingertips. There’s an undeniable satisfaction in picking ingredients directly from your own space, just as I fondly recall eating warm tomatoes right off the vine from my childhood garden, or crisp radishes pulled from rich Iowa soil.

For those without gardening space, local farmers’ markets are a treasure trove of seasonal delights. Visiting a market with your family is an adventure, inspiring everyone with the sheer variety and freshness of produce. The vibrant colors and intoxicating aromas can motivate even the pickiest eaters to explore new, healthier options. A fresh tomato salad, brimming with local ingredients, should undoubtedly find its way onto your menu before the summer ends, connecting you to the earth’s natural rhythms and flavors.

Crafting Your Perfect Caprese Chicken Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delicious Caprese Salad with Grilled Chicken is surprisingly straightforward, requiring minimal cooking time and maximum flavor payoff. The key lies in selecting high-quality ingredients and treating them with care.

Ingredient Spotlight: Quality Makes the Difference

• Tomatoes: The star of the show! Opt for fresh, ripe garden tomatoes when in season. Heirloom varieties offer stunning colors and complex flavors. Outside of peak season, grape or cherry tomatoes are an excellent choice, as they often retain more flavor than larger, off-season tomatoes. Halve them for easier eating and better dressing adherence.
• Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella is non-negotiable. Look for fresh mozzarella balls (like bocconcini or ciliegine) or a larger ball that you can cube yourself. Its creamy, milky texture and mild flavor are essential to the Caprese experience. For an extra luxurious touch, consider burrata, with its soft, creamy interior.
• Basil: Only fresh basil will do. Its sweet, peppery aroma and flavor are irreplaceable. A chiffonade (thinly sliced ribbons) is perfect for distributing flavor evenly and for an elegant presentation.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent depth to the dressing. Adjust the amount to your preference.
• Celery: While not traditional in a classic Caprese, diced celery adds a wonderful crunch and a subtle, refreshing counterpoint to the richer elements.
• Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil. It forms the base of your dressing and contributes significantly to the overall flavor profile.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Provides the necessary tang and acidity to balance the richness of the mozzarella and the sweetness of the tomatoes.
• Seasoning: Simple salt and freshly ground black pepper are all you need to enhance the natural flavors of the produce. Remember to season to taste, starting with a small amount and adding more if desired.

The Art of Grilling Chicken: For Tenderness and Flavor

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a lean and versatile choice for this salad. To ensure they are juicy and flavorful:

• Pound or Butterfly: If your chicken breasts are very thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness (about ¾ inch) or butterflying them. This ensures even cooking and prevents drying out.
• Season Generously: Before grilling, season the chicken liberally with seasoning salt, black pepper, and perhaps a pinch of garlic powder. For added depth, a quick marinade in a bit of olive oil and herbs can work wonders.
• Preheat Your Grill: Whether using an outdoor grill or an indoor grill pan, ensure it’s properly preheated to medium-high heat. Brush the grates or pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
• Grill to Perfection: Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden-brown grill marks appear and the chicken is cooked through. For those desirable crosshatch marks, grill for 3-4 minutes, rotate 45 degrees, then grill for another 3-4 minutes before flipping and repeating on the other side.
• Check for Doneness: The most crucial step! Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees the chicken is safe to eat and perfectly cooked.
• Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Assembling Your Caprese Masterpiece

Once your ingredients are prepped and your chicken is rested and sliced, it’s time to bring everything together:

1. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the chopped tomatoes, cubed mozzarella, diced celery, basil chiffonade, and minced garlic.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, salt, and freshly ground pepper. While continuously whisking, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil to create a well-emulsified vinaigrette.
3. Pour the prepared dressing over the tomato and mozzarella mixture. Gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated without crushing the delicate basil or tomatoes.
4. Serve the Caprese salad with the sliced grilled chicken breast arranged on top or alongside. A beautiful presentation can be achieved by fanning out the chicken slices over the salad.

The Recipe:

Chicken and Caprese Salad

Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
15 minutes

Total Time
30 minutes

Yield
4 servings

The classic Italian salad with mozzarella, tomatoes and basil made into an entree with grilled chicken.

Ingredients

For the salad:

• 2 pounds fresh garden tomatoes, chopped (or halved grape or cherry tomatoes in the off season)
• 1 pound fresh mozzarella, cubed or small perline mozzarella balls
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup basil chiffonade (rolled and thinly sliced basil)
• 1-2 minced garlic cloves
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• Salt to taste (start with a ½ teaspoon, taste, then add more if desired)
• Freshly ground pepper to taste
• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil

For the chicken:

• 2-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Seasoning salt
• Olive oil

Instructions

1. Mix tomatoes, mozzarella, celery, basil, and garlic in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk together salt, pepper and vinegar. While whisking, drizzle in the olive oil. Pour dressing over tomato salad and gently toss to combine.
2. Season chicken with seasoning salt. Brush grill pan with olive oil and cook, flipping once, till chicken is cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before removing it from the grill. Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
3. Serve chicken with salad on the side, or sliced over the top of the salad.

Notes and Tips

This recipe is inspired by Food Network Magazine.

To achieve appealing grilled crosshatch marks on your chicken, grill for 3 to 4 minutes on one side (depending on chicken thickness). Rotate the breast 45 degrees and grill for 3 to 4 more minutes. Flip the chicken and repeat the process on the opposite side. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C) before serving.

For an extra touch, a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the finished salad adds a beautiful sheen and a tangy-sweet counterpoint.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• Wusthof Wave (Tomato) Knife
• OXO Cutting Board
• 10-Inch Wire Whisk

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 735Total Fat: 48gSaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 28gCholesterol: 180mgSodium: 985mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 3gSugar: 7gProtein: 62g

Thatskinnychickcanbake.com occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although thatskinnychickcanbake.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe. Also, many recipes on thatskinnychickcanbake.com recommend toppings, which may or may not be listed as optional and nutritional information for these added toppings is not listed. Other factors may change the nutritional information such as when the salt amount is listed “to taste,” it is not calculated into the recipe as the amount will vary. Also, different online calculators can provide different results. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information obtained is accurate.

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Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations

The beauty of Caprese Salad with Grilled Chicken lies in its versatility. It’s fantastic on its own, but can also be adapted to fit various palates and occasions.

• For a Heartier Meal: Serve alongside a crusty loaf of ciabatta or garlic bread to soak up the delicious juices. A side of quinoa or a light pasta salad would also complement the flavors beautifully.
• Add a Drizzle: A reduction of balsamic vinegar (balsamic glaze) adds a sophisticated sweet-tart finish and a glossy appearance.
• Explore Other Proteins: While chicken is excellent, consider grilled shrimp, pan-seared scallops, or even thin slices of flank steak for different flavor profiles. For a vegetarian option, grilled portobello mushrooms are a fantastic substitute.
• Vary the Greens: While traditional Caprese is simply tomato, basil, and mozzarella, a bed of fresh arugula or baby spinach can add another layer of flavor and nutrition.
• Herb Alternatives: If you’re out of basil, fresh mint can offer a surprisingly refreshing twist, though it will alter the classic Caprese profile.
• Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick if you enjoy a little heat.

Beyond the Plate: The Benefits of Fresh and Seasonal Eating

This Caprese Salad with Grilled Chicken is more than just a meal; it’s an embodiment of healthy and mindful eating. By choosing fresh, seasonal ingredients, you’re not only getting the best possible flavor but also maximizing nutritional value. Seasonal produce often contains higher concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to out-of-season alternatives that may have traveled long distances or been stored for extended periods.

Supporting local farmers by sourcing ingredients from farmers’ markets contributes to your community’s economy and reduces your carbon footprint. It also fosters a deeper connection to where your food comes from, making meal preparation a more engaging and educational experience for the whole family. This simple act of choosing fresh and seasonal can have a profound impact on your health, your community, and the environment.

Explore More Weekday Supper Inspiration

Looking for more delicious and inspiring ideas for your weeknight meals? The Sunday Supper team, inspired by partners like American Family Insurance, consistently brings you garden-fresh recipes throughout the month. This focus on fresh produce and wholesome meals makes cooking a joy. Check out these other fantastic weekday supper ideas:

• Monday – Summer Squash Pizza by Supper for a Steal
• Tuesday – Tuna, Tomato, Bean and Basil Salad by Shockingly Delicious
• Wednesday – Pesto Pasta Salad by Country Girl In The Village
• Thursday – Caprese Salad with Chicken by That Skinny Chick Can Bake (This very recipe!)
• Friday – Caprese Pasta Salad by Alida’s Kitchen

The Caprese Salad with Grilled Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the season’s best. It’s a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal that brings the vibrant tastes of Italy right to your dining table. So, fire up the grill, gather your freshest ingredients, and enjoy this delightful summer entree.