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Transform classic Italian Caprese flavors into a filling main dish salad with pan seared chicken, fresh mozzarella, and crisp vegetables. Perfect for quick lunches or light dinners.
Key Components
- Seasoned chicken
- Fresh mozzarella
- Ripe tomatoes
- Crisp lettuce
- Fresh basil
- Balsamic dressing
Essential Ingredients
For the Chicken: 2 lbs chicken breasts, 1 tbsp olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper.
For the Salad: 5 cups Romaine, 1 avocado, cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella, fresh basil, balsamic vinaigrette.
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Perfect Preparation
- Chicken Steps:
- Pat dry thoroughly. Season well. Pan fry evenly. Rest before slicing. Check temperature
- Salad Assembly:
- Wash greens well. Slice tomatoes. Cut mozzarella. Chiffonade basil. Layer ingredients
Storage Guide
- Keep components separate
- Store properly chilled
- Use within 2 days
- Add dressing fresh
- Prevent avocado browning
Remember: Success comes from proper chicken cooking technique and fresh ingredients assembled just before serving.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
Classic Italian Style: Use buffalo mozzarella, heirloom tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, aged balsamic, sea salt flakes.
Light Lunch Version: Smaller portions, more greens, less cheese, light dressing, add cucumber.
Protein Options
- Grilled chicken
- Air fried chicken
- Rotisserie chicken
- Grilled shrimp
- Pan seared tofu
Dressing Variations
Homemade Balsamic: Aged balsamic, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, fresh herbs.
Alternative Dressings: Lemon vinaigrette, herb dressing, pesto drizzle, Italian dressing, olive oil & herbs.
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Make Ahead Tips
Prep Components: Cook chicken ahead, wash greens, mix dressing, slice tomatoes, store separately.
Quick Assembly: Layer ingredients, add avocado fresh, dress at service, toss gently, serve immediately.
Troubleshooting
If Salad Is Soggy: Dry greens thoroughly, dress lightly, keep components separate, add wet ingredients last, serve promptly.
Perfect For: Light dinners, lunch meetings, meal prep, summer entertaining, health conscious meals.
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and fresh ingredients. Success depends on proper preparation and timing of assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare any components of this salad ahead of time?
- Yes, you can cook and slice the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just assemble the salad with fresh ingredients when ready to serve.
- → What can I substitute for the balsamic vinaigrette?
- You can use Italian dressing, lemon vinaigrette, or even a simple olive oil and balsamic vinegar combination as alternatives.
- → How do I keep the avocado from browning if I have leftovers?
- It's best to add avocado just before serving. If storing leftovers, squeeze lemon juice over the avocado to help prevent browning.
- → Can I use different types of lettuce?
- Yes, you can substitute Romaine with mixed greens, spinach, or arugula based on your preference.
- → Is there a way to make this dairy-free?
- You can omit the mozzarella or replace it with a dairy-free alternative. The salad will still be delicious with the other ingredients.