
Yields:
4 - 6 serving(s)
Prep Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Cal/Serv:
911
Though we’re all about a healthy salad chock-full of delicious ingredients (check out our crunch salad or our anything goes grain salad for proof), sometimes we’re more about quality than quantity. Possibly the most quintessential example of this is the Caprese salad, made up of just three ingredients—fresh mozzarella, gorgeous tomatoes, and bright basil. To make this chicken-avocado version, we stuck with that principle, just adding grilled balsamic chicken, creamy avocado, and a little romaine for crunch. The result is a simple salad that is still refreshing and light, but also satisfying enough to be dinner.
Pounding the chicken here might seem like an unnecessary step, but trust us—it’s so worth it for the most tender and juicy chicken breasts. Thinner meat also means a shorter marinade time, a faster cook time, and a more attractive final dish (a Caprese should be pretty, after all).
Made this? Let us know how it went in the comments below.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp.
balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp.
pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp.
Dijon mustard
Kosher salt
- 1/2 cup
extra-virgin olive oil
- 2
boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb. total)
- 3/4 tsp.
Italian seasoning
Freshly ground black pepper
- 2
heads romaine lettuce, thinly sliced (about 8 c.)
- 2
small or 1 large avocado, halved, thinly sliced
- 1
(12-oz.) container mini mozzarella balls, drained, halved or quartered if large
- 1 cup
cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup
packed fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
Directions
- Step 1In a medium bowl, whisk vinegar, syrup, mustard, and 3/4 teaspoon salt. While whisking, slowly pour in oil until combined.
- Step 2Place chicken between 2 pieces of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet into 1/2"-thick pieces. Transfer chicken to a large bowl; season all over with Italian seasoning, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Pour 1/4 cup balsamic dressing over chicken; refrigerate remaining dressing until ready to use. Turn chicken to coat and let marinate, tossing a few times, at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or cover bowl and refrigerate up to 3 hours.
- Step 3Prepare a grill for medium-high heat; heat 5 minutes (or preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat). Grill chicken, turning halfway through, until golden brown and just cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and let cool slightly.
- Step 4Meanwhile, divide lettuce, avocado, mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil among bowls. Thinly slice chicken and arrange in bowls. Drizzle with reserved dressing.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below