Caprese Grilled Chicken Salad

Published: July 29, 2025

by Aileen Reed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious salad in no time.
Flavorful Ingredients: The balsamic marinated chicken combined with the creamy pesto dressing elevates the taste to new heights.
Healthy Option: This salad is packed with protein from the chicken and includes plenty of veggies, making it a nutritious choice.
Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or as a side at gatherings; it fits any occasion perfectly.
Light and Refreshing: Ideal for summer meals, this dish keeps things light without sacrificing flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing Caprese Grilled Chicken Salad is simple when you have the right tools on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill or grill pan
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Gallon-size freezer bag
Cutting board
Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Grill or grill pan: Essential for achieving that perfect char on the chicken, enhancing flavor.
Whisk: Helps you combine marinade ingredients smoothly for even coating on the chicken.
Gallon-size freezer bag: Ideal for marinating the chicken without mess while ensuring all flavors penetrate.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon pesto
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 teaspoon honey
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

For the Salad Base

5 ounces baby spinach
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1 cup mini fresh mozzarella balls
Dried or fresh basil (optional)

For the Dressing

1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup low fat milk
1 1/2 tablespoons pesto
2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon vinegar
1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Caprese Grilled Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, pesto, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in a gallon-size freezer bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag while pressing out air. Massage the marinade into the chicken and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight for best results.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Spray or brush grates with oil to prevent sticking. Grill chicken for approximately 4–6 minutes per side until fully cooked. Remove from grill and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

Combine Greek yogurt, low-fat milk, pesto, parmesan cheese, vinegar, granulated garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and taste for seasoning adjustments.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

On a serving platter or bowl, place baby spinach as a base. Arrange halved cherry tomatoes and mini mozzarella balls on top. Next, add sliced grilled chicken. Finish by sprinkling with kosher salt, black pepper, dried basil if desired. Drizzle dressing over salad or serve on the side.

With these easy steps, you’ll have a delicious Caprese Grilled Chicken Salad ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Caprese Grilled Chicken Salad

Caprese Grilled Chicken Salad is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

As a Main Dish

Serve it as the centerpiece of a light dinner. The grilled chicken adds protein, while the fresh veggies keep it refreshing.

In a Wrap

Wrap the salad ingredients in a tortilla for a quick and portable lunch. This is perfect for picnics or on-the-go meals.

As an Appetizer

Present small portions of the salad in individual cups. This makes for an elegant starter at parties or gatherings.

With Crusty Bread

Pair the salad with slices of crusty bread or garlic bread. The bread can soak up the delicious pesto dressing, enhancing flavor.

Topped with Nuts

Add some toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top of the salad for extra crunch and nutrition. This adds a delightful texture contrast.

How to Perfect Caprese Grilled Chicken Salad

Creating the perfect Caprese Grilled Chicken Salad involves attention to detail and fresh ingredients. Follow these tips to enhance your dish.

Choose quality chicken: Opt for organic or free-range chicken breasts for better flavor and texture.
Marinate longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight instead of just one hour.
Grill at proper temperature: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat for even cooking and nice grill marks.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh mozzarella and ripe tomatoes enhance the taste significantly.
Adjust seasoning: Taste your dressing before serving and adjust salt and pepper according to personal preference.
Serve immediately: For optimal freshness, serve the salad right after assembling to keep ingredients crisp.

Best Side Dishes for Caprese Grilled Chicken Salad

A well-chosen side dish can complement your Caprese Grilled Chicken Salad beautifully. Here are some delightful suggestions to consider.

Garlic Bread: Warm, toasted garlic bread pairs perfectly with this salad, providing a satisfying crunch.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and enhance the nutritional value of your meal.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with lemon dressing adds protein and complements the flavors of your main dish.
Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides sweetness that contrasts nicely with the savory elements of your salad.
Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad with olive oil and herbs serves as a filling side that balances flavors well.
Crispy Potato Wedges: Oven-baked potato wedges offer comfort food appeal alongside your healthy salad option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Caprese Grilled Chicken Salad, avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your dish’s flavor and presentation.

Skipping the Marinade Time: Not allowing the chicken to marinate long enough will result in less flavorful meat. Aim for at least one hour or overnight for optimal taste.
Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can lead to dry meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for perfect juiciness.
Neglecting Fresh Ingredients: Using wilted spinach or old tomatoes will compromise your salad’s freshness. Always select the freshest produce available for the best results.
Forgetting to Season Properly: Under-seasoning can make your salad bland. Be generous with salt and pepper, and don’t forget the dressing’s seasoning for extra flavor.
Using the Wrong Cheese: Substituting mozzarella with a stronger cheese might overpower the salad. Stick with fresh mozzarella balls for that classic Caprese flavor balance.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Enjoy within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Caprese Grilled Chicken Salad

This salad is not ideal for freezing due to its fresh ingredients.
If needed, freeze only grilled chicken separately, stored in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Caprese Grilled Chicken Salad

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Cook the chicken slices for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I customize my Caprese Grilled Chicken Salad?

You can add various ingredients like avocado, nuts, or different greens such as arugula or kale to personalize your salad further.

Can I use store-bought pesto in my Caprese Grilled Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! Store-bought pesto is a great time-saver while still giving you that delicious flavor.

What should I serve with my Caprese Grilled Chicken Salad?

This salad pairs well with crusty bread or grilled vegetables for a complete meal experience.

How can I make this salad lower in calories?

You can reduce calories by using leaner cuts of chicken and low-fat cheese options while still enjoying full flavors.

Final Thoughts

Caprese Grilled Chicken Salad is not just quick and easy; it’s also versatile and refreshing—perfect for summer meals or gatherings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or dressings to suit your taste. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delightful blend of flavors!

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