This elevated Caprese-style salad blends the freshness of summer produce with the rich, smoky notes of perfectly grilled chicken. Creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, soft mozzarella pearls, and crisp mixed greens create a dynamic contrast of textures, all tied together with a glossy drizzle of balsamic glaze. Bright, clean, and deeply satisfying, this salad delivers balanced flavor and restaurant-quality presentation with minimal effort. Ideal for lunch, light dinner, or a polished entertaining dish, it transforms simple ingredients into something exceptional.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
Salad
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, rested and thinly sliced
- 2 cups mixed leafy greens
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls
- Small handful fresh basil leaves
Balsamic Finish
- 2–3 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Method
1. Grill the Chicken
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes per side, until well-marked and cooked through.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, then slice cleanly on a bias.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
- Slice the avocado just before assembling to maintain freshness.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Dry the greens thoroughly to keep the salad crisp.
- Keep mozzarella pearls chilled until ready to serve.
3. Assemble the Salad
- Spread mixed greens evenly across a large wooden or ceramic serving bowl.
- Arrange sliced chicken in a neat row through the center for visual impact.
- Fan the avocado slices alongside the chicken.
- Distribute tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil leaves evenly for balanced color.
4. Finish & Serve
- Drizzle balsamic glaze generously over the chicken and avocado.
- Add a light swirl of extra-virgin olive oil.
- Season with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper.
- Serve immediately to preserve texture and temperature contrast.
Chef’s Tips
- For Exceptional Tenderness: Marinate chicken with lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for 30 minutes.
- For Clean Slices: Allow chicken to rest; slicing while hot causes tearing.
- For Glossy Avocado: Brush lightly with olive oil before plating.
- Enhance Aroma: Add whole basil leaves just before serving; they bruise if added too early.
- Advanced Presentation: Layer colors in alternating patterns—greens, whites, reds—mimicking a modern Caprese layout.
