Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that screams sophistication and summer freshness. This Grilled Chicken Caprese Salad with Avocado isn't just a meal—it's a culinary journey that combines the smoky charm of perfectly grilled chicken, the creamy richness of avocado, and the vibrant burst of classic Italian flavors. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and transport your senses straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). Ensure grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Brush each breast with olive oil and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
- Place chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side, creating nice grill marks and ensuring even cooking.
- Flip chicken breasts and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. This helps keep the meat tender and moist.
- While chicken is resting, arrange arugula on a serving platter as the salad base.
- Slice grilled chicken breasts diagonally into thin strips.
- Arrange sliced chicken over the arugula. Top with fresh mozzarella slices, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced avocado.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze generously over the entire salad, ensuring even coverage.
- Finish with a final sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately while chicken is still warm, enjoying the combination of warm grilled chicken and fresh, cool salad ingredients.
Tips
- Always pat chicken dry before grilling to ensure beautiful, crispy exterior and prevent steaming.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F—no guesswork!
- Let chicken rest after grilling to lock in juices and maintain maximum tenderness.
- For extra flavor, consider marinating chicken for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Choose ripe but firm avocados to prevent mushy texture in your salad.
- Use fresh mozzarella for the most authentic and creamy Caprese experience.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze just before serving to maintain its glossy, intense flavor.
- For a smoky twist, try adding a few wood chips to your grill for enhanced flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 110mg
