Caprese Salad with Chicken: A beloved Italian classic reimagined as a wholesome and satisfying entree, featuring succulent grilled chicken atop a vibrant medley of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil. This dish perfectly marries the simplicity of traditional Caprese with the hearty goodness of a complete meal, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch or a delightful dinner.

Caprese Salad with Chicken: Your Ultimate Summer Meal

There’s an undeniable magic in the air when garden season arrives. The earth awakens, and soon, vibrant green shoots begin to emerge, promising a bounty of fresh flavors. As my chives proudly displayed their purple blossoms and I carefully nestled basil, rosemary, and dill into the rich soil, my thoughts inevitably drifted to the star of any summer garden: the luscious, sun-ripened tomato. While August often signals the peak of tomato season, waiting that long for the first taste of a fresh Caprese salad felt like an eternity. This year, I simply couldn’t resist the urge to create my inaugural Caprese masterpiece much sooner. But to transform this refreshing side into a hearty meal that would satisfy even the most fervent “meat and potatoes” enthusiast, a simple addition was necessary: a perfectly grilled chicken breast.

The result? An exquisite Caprese Salad with Chicken that elevates the traditional Italian favorite into a fulfilling entree. This brilliant adaptation ensures that everyone at the table, including those who appreciate a substantial protein, can savor the fresh, aromatic flavors of summer without feeling like something is missing. For an equally delicious variation, consider adding shredded chicken to the mix, offering another marvelous way to enjoy this vibrant salad as a complete and balanced meal.

Embracing Freshness: Cultivate Your Dreams with Garden-Inspired Meals

Few culinary experiences rival the pure delight of a juicy, sun-warmed tomato picked straight from the garden. This simple pleasure embodies the essence of healthy eating and active living, a philosophy beautifully championed by campaigns like American Family Insurance’s #ChooseDreams. This initiative encourages families to make conscious choices for their well-being, and planting a garden is a fantastic step in that direction. Imagine the satisfaction of harvesting your own produce, knowing exactly where your food comes from, and instilling healthy habits in your children.

Even if you lack a sprawling backyard, the dream of fresh, homegrown produce is entirely attainable. Cherry tomatoes, for instance, thrive in large pots on a sunny balcony or patio, eliminating any excuse not to have these little bursts of flavor at your fingertips by late summer. I cherish childhood memories of plucking warm tomatoes directly from the vine, their natural sweetness a perfect snack. And who could forget the earthy crunch of radishes pulled from the rich, black Iowa soil? These experiences connect us to our food in a profound way.

For those with even less space, a vibrant alternative awaits: the local farmers’ market. Gather your family and immerse yourselves in the abundance of fresh, locally grown produce. The array of colorful fruits and vegetables will not only inspire your culinary creativity but also motivate your family to embrace healthier eating patterns. Before the summer slips away, I sincerely hope a simple, elegant tomato salad finds its way onto your menu, bringing the taste of the garden—or the farmers’ market—right to your table.

The Perfect Harmony: Why Caprese Salad with Chicken is a Must-Try

The beauty of Caprese salad lies in its elegant simplicity, allowing the quality of its core ingredients to shine. Ripe, juicy tomatoes provide a burst of sweet acidity; creamy, fresh mozzarella offers a delicate, milky texture; and fragrant basil leaves infuse every bite with an herbaceous aroma. When these elements are drizzled with a high-quality extra virgin olive oil and a hint of red wine vinegar, the result is a symphony of flavors that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying.

However, for many, a salad, no matter how delicious, might not feel like a complete meal. This is where the addition of grilled chicken transforms the Caprese from a side dish into a robust and well-rounded entree. Chicken breasts are an excellent source of lean protein, providing sustained energy and satiety without the heaviness often associated with richer meats. Grilling the chicken adds a delightful smoky char and a tender texture that complements the fresh, vibrant components of the salad beautifully. This combination makes the Caprese Salad with Chicken not just a flavorful dish, but a truly balanced and healthy option for lunch or dinner, perfect for fueling your body during the warm months.

Crafting Your Masterpiece: Tips for the Best Caprese Salad with Chicken

Achieving the perfect Caprese Salad with Chicken is all about selecting the finest ingredients and applying simple, effective techniques.

Choosing Your Ingredients Wisely:

• Tomatoes: The star of the show! Opt for a variety of fresh, ripe garden tomatoes. Heirloom tomatoes offer beautiful colors and complex flavors, while grape or cherry tomatoes are fantastic for their concentrated sweetness and ease of use, especially when garden tomatoes are out of season.
• Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella is non-negotiable. Look for “fior di latte” (cow’s milk mozzarella) or “mozzarella di bufala” (buffalo mozzarella) for superior creaminess. Small “perline” or “bocconcini” balls are convenient, or you can cube a larger ball.
• Basil: Fresh basil is key to the authentic Caprese flavor. A generous chiffonade (thinly sliced leaves) ensures its aroma and taste are evenly distributed throughout the salad.
• Olive Oil: Invest in a good quality extra virgin olive oil. Its fruity, peppery notes are essential for the dressing and bring all the flavors together.
• Vinegar: Red wine vinegar adds a pleasant tang. For a different twist, a high-quality balsamic glaze can be drizzled over the finished salad for a touch of sweet acidity.
• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and quick to cook. Ensure they are of similar thickness for even grilling.

Mastering the Grill for Perfect Chicken:

Grilling chicken breasts can sometimes lead to dry results, but with a few tips, yours will be tender and juicy:

• Pound Evenly: If your chicken breasts are thick, gently pound them to an even thickness (about ¾-inch). This ensures they cook uniformly and prevents dry spots.
• Season Liberally: A good seasoning salt, or a simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, will enhance the chicken’s flavor. You can also marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to an hour in a light Italian dressing or a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for added tenderness and flavor.
• Preheat Your Grill: A hot grill or grill pan is crucial for achieving a good sear and those coveted crosshatch marks. Brush the grates with olive oil to prevent sticking.
• Grilling Technique: Cook chicken breasts over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness. For perfect crosshatch marks, grill for 3-4 minutes, then rotate the chicken 45 degrees and grill for another 3-4 minutes before flipping and repeating on the other side.
• Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before removing it from the grill. This guarantees safety and optimal doneness.
• Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful piece of meat.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

While the classic Caprese Salad with Chicken is delightful on its own, don’t hesitate to experiment with variations to suit your taste or what you have on hand:

• Other Proteins: Instead of chicken, try grilled shrimp, flaky salmon, pan-seared steak, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
• Add More Veggies: Sliced cucumbers, red onion, bell peppers, or creamy avocado can add extra texture and nutrients.
• Herb Alternatives: While basil is traditional, a sprinkle of fresh oregano or a few mint leaves can offer a refreshing twist.
• Balsamic Glaze: A thick, sweet balsamic glaze (simply reduced balsamic vinegar) drizzled over the top adds a touch of gourmet elegance.
• Caprese Skewers: For a party appetizer or a fun kid-friendly meal, thread cherry tomatoes, small mozzarella balls, and folded basil leaves onto skewers, then serve with sliced grilled chicken.

This salad pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty artisan bread to soak up the delicious juices, or a light pasta dish on the side if you’re looking for extra carbohydrates. It’s also fantastic for meal prep, as the components can be stored separately and assembled just before serving.

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 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 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.
3. Serve chicken with salad on the side.

Notes

Inspired by Food Network Magazine.

To make grilled crosshatch marks: Grill for 3 to 4 minutes depending on how thick your chicken breast is. Rotate it 45 degrees and grill for 3 to 4 more minutes. Flip and repeat on the opposite side. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is 165˚ before removing from the grill.

Recommended Products

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• 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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And for more terrific weekday supper inspiration, check out these posts throughout the week:

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

A Fresh Approach to Weekday Suppers

Inspired by American Family Insurance, the Sunday Supper team is dedicated to bringing you an entire month of garden-fresh recipes. This ongoing series celebrates the vibrant flavors of the season and encourages wholesome, home-cooked meals. Throughout the week, you can find our delicious Weekday Supper meals, each featuring seasonal ingredients and creative culinary ideas, published on their corresponding days across various participating websites. Join us in embracing the goodness that fresh produce brings to our tables and discover new ways to make healthy eating a delightful part of your family’s routine.

This Caprese Salad with Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the simplicity and beauty of fresh, wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a passionate farmers’ market visitor, this dish offers a taste of summer that’s both satisfying and endlessly refreshing. Enjoy the journey of creating healthy, delicious meals that bring joy to your family and inspire a deeper connection to the food you eat.