Nothing makes me happier than a giant, and simple, salad to dive into for lunch! This chicken caprese salad with avocado is just that! A refreshing salad with all of the flavors of a classic tomato, mozzarella salad, and the added deliciousness of chicken and avocado!
This flavorful, healthy, and low carb salad is the perfect lunch to get you through a long afternoon, and transport you to your favorite italian restaurant all at once!
Caprese Salad
The classic caprese salad features just a few simple ingredients. It starts with fresh sliced mozzarella, basil, and sweet ripe tomatoes, serious Italian flag vibes! Drizzled with some olive oil and in cases, balsamic vinegar (my personal favorite), this simple salad is a great starting course to any meal, or a light lunch all on its own.
I personally prefer a bit of a heartier meal, so I decided to take the base of a caprese salad and kick it up a notch. Just the addition of a few ingredients and you have a well balanced meal:
- Lettuce
- Cucumber
- Red Onion
- Avocado
- Chicken
- Balsamic Vinaigrette
Balsamic Glaze and Vinaigrette
The bright, colorful salad comes together with the help of balsamic vinegar used in two ways. First, a thick, sticky, sweet balsamic glaze. Making a balsamic reduction is actually super simple with only one ingredient: balsamic vinegar. Just pour 1 cup into a small sauce pot and simmer until syrupy. Drizzle it over grilled chicken for a subtle sweet note to the salad.
Next is a super simple vinaigrette! Combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, garlic, onion powder, and salt and pepper in a bowl. Pour as much or as little of this over the assembled salad as you like!
Want More Recipes like this?
Try these other simple lunch recipes:
Whether you want a filling lunch, or you are a salad for dinner type of person, this chicken caprese salad will hit the spot! This simple Italian salad takes on new life with the addition of juicy grilled chicken and avocado. And that balsamic glaze will surely hit the spot!
Chicken Avocado Caprese Salad
Ingredients
Balsamic Glaze
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
Caprese Salad
- ½ lb chicken breast
- 1 tsp onion powder
- salt and pepper
- 2 heads romaine lettuce about 4 cups
- ¼ cup fresh basil torn
- ½ cup cherry or grape tomatoes halved
- ¼ cup red onion diced
- 1 avocado sliced
- ½ cup fresh mozzarella cubed
Balsamic Dressing
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1½ tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp onion powder
- salt and pepper
Instructions
Balsamic Glaze
- Pour balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and bring to a simmer. Cook until the liquid has reduced to about ¼ cup. Set aside
Balsamic dressing
- In a small bowl, combine all ingredients for the dressing and set aside.
Caprese Salad
- Slice chicken breasts lengthwise to create thinner breasts. Season both side and grill or sear until cooked through. Slice into strips.
- Assemble remaining ingredients on top of chopped romaine in a large bowl. Top with grilled chicken and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Pour on balsamic dressing and toss or serve with dressing on the side.
