Do you want loads of flavor for your salad in a “caprese” sort of way? Best Caprese Salad is the winner, winner (with chicken in it) for your dinner! Balsamic marinated chicken is grilled to heavenly excellence and then tossed with crisp romaine lettuce, creamy avocado slices, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella balls, then drizzled with more of that mouth-watering balsamic dressing for just the “caprese” combination you adore! The Best Caprese Salad satisfies and has all the “caprese-ness” you crave. It’s certainly a winner!
Ingredients
For the marinade/dressing:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the salad:
- 4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 5 cups romaine lettuce, washed and dried
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced
- 1/2 cup mini-mozzarella balls or bocconcini
- 1/4 cup basil leaves, thinly sliced
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
Directions
Step 1 –In a small bowl, add the balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, the brown sugar, the garlic, the dried basil, and 1 teaspoon of the salt and whisk to combine.
Step 2 –In a shallow dish, add the chicken thighs and 4 tablespoons of the marinade/dressing mixture and stir to evenly coat the chicken. Reserve the remaining marinade/dressing mixture.
Step 3 –In a large grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat, heat the remaining olive oil.
Step 4 –Add the chicken to the hot oil and grill or sear until golden on all sides and the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 5 minutes per side.
Step 5 –Set the chicken aside and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes.
Step 6 –Slice the chicken into strips.
Step 7 –In a serving bowl, add the romaine, the avocado slices, the tomatoes, the mozzarella, and the chicken strips.
Step 8 –Add the fresh basil leaves and the remaining marinade/dressing mixture and toss to combine.
Step 9 –Taste the salad for seasoning and add the extra salt and the pepper, as needed, tossing to combine.
Step 10 –Serve.
