If you’re searching for a lively, fuss-free dish for any season, you have to try Chicken Salad Caprese. This colorful, Italian-inspired salad brings together juicy chicken, sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil in every bite, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze. Whether you want a show-stopping lunch, a breezy party starter, or a protein-packed dinner that feels anything but boring, this is the salad that delivers on freshness and flavor. What’s not to love when you can toss it together in minutes?
Ingredients You’ll Need
The brilliance of Chicken Salad Caprese lies in its straightforward, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a starring role, offering a burst of flavor, satisfying texture, or a pop of color that makes the whole dish sing.
- Chicken Breast: For juicy, protein-rich bites; rotisserie or homemade cooked chicken works perfectly.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Halved for bright bursts of sweetness and vibrant color in every forkful.
- Fresh Mozzarella Balls: Creamy bocconcini or ciliegine provide rich, milky flavor and an irresistible soft texture—halve them for best distribution.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Chopped or torn, these add herbal freshness and signature Caprese aroma.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle brings silkiness and ties the dressing together; use extra-virgin for the best flavor.
- Balsamic Glaze or Reduction: Adds sweet tang and beautiful color contrast; ready-made or homemade both work well.
- Lemon Juice: A splash brightens the whole salad and balances the rich mozzarella.
- Garlic Powder: Gives subtle aromatic warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors—taste and adjust if your chicken is already seasoned.
- Black Pepper: A little bit elevates the savory notes and adds gentle spice.
How to Make Chicken Salad Caprese
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Gather up all your ingredients first. Shred or dice your cooked chicken breast, halve the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls, and chop or tear the fresh basil leaves. This little bit of prep work turns assembly into a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Chicken, Tomatoes, Mozzarella, and Basil
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Gently toss them together so the basil can weave its fragrance through the salad. The sight of all those bold colors will have you hungry already!
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic glaze, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This quick dressing is zippy, rich, and just a little sweet—absolutely key to tying our Chicken Salad Caprese together.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Pour your lovely balsamic dressing over the chicken mixture. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, making sure every piece gets coated without squishing the tomatoes or mozzarella.
Step 5: Let the Flavors Mingle
Before diving in, let the salad sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. This patience pays off by allowing all those fresh flavors to meld, turning a good salad into something absolutely crave-worthy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Your Chicken Salad Caprese is now ready to wow! Serve it chilled or at room temperature, on its own, over a bed of mixed greens, or creatively dressed up for company.
How to Serve Chicken Salad Caprese
Garnishes
Amp up the appeal with a fresh grind of black pepper, a few basil leaves scattered over the top, or a final zigzag of balsamic glaze. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt can amplify those garden-fresh flavors even more.
Side Dishes
Pair Chicken Salad Caprese with crusty Italian bread or a handful of herbed croutons for extra crunch. It also complements grilled vegetables, a chilled pasta salad, or even a summer soup. For a low-carb option, try serving alongside a simple arugula salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve scoops of the salad in lettuce leaves for crunchy boats, pile it into pita pockets for a satisfying lunch, or spoon it atop grilled polenta rounds for party-ready appetizers. Presentation is half the fun, and Chicken Salad Caprese shines brightly however you serve it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Chicken Salad Caprese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to three days, though the basil may darken slightly (it will still taste great). Give the salad a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
Chicken Salad Caprese isn’t a great candidate for freezing—the mozzarella and tomatoes change texture once thawed and can turn watery. Stick to making fresh batches for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it less chilled, simply let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving. There’s no need to heat it up, which makes it wonderfully convenient for meal prep or packed lunches.
FAQs
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken adds juicy flavor and makes assembling Chicken Salad Caprese even quicker. Just remove the skin and bones, then shred or dice the meat as needed.
What type Salad
Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine) are ideal because they’re creamy and bite-sized, but you can also use a larger mozzarella ball cut into cubes if that’s what you have on hand. The fresher the cheese, the better!
How can I make this Chicken Salad Caprese dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, simply leave out the mozzarella or use a plant-based mozzarella alternative. The salad will still be deliciously fresh and flavorful thanks to the chicken, tomatoes, and basil.
Is there a way to make this salad ahead of time for a party?
Yes! Prepare everything up to a day in advance but hold off on adding the fresh basil and dressing until just before serving. This keeps the herbs bright and the salad perfectly fresh and vibrant.
Can I add extra veggies to this salad?
Of course! Avocado slices, cucumber rounds, or even roasted red peppers make tasty additions. Just keep in mind not to overload, as you want to let the Chicken Salad Caprese flavors remain the stars.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a reliably crowd-pleasing dish that feels special yet effortless, Chicken Salad Caprese is the answer. The combination of colors, flavors, and easy prep will have you making it again and again—so gather your ingredients and treat yourself soon!
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Chicken Salad Caprese Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad, this Chicken Salad Caprese is a refreshing and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, all dressed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked shredded or diced chicken breast
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine, halved)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped or torn)
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or reduction
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic glaze, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Toss: Pour dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Rest: Let the salad sit for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve chilled or at room temperature, as-is or over mixed greens.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Add avocado or sliced cucumber for extra texture.
- This salad can also be served in lettuce cups or stuffed into pita pockets for a light lunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
