California Chicken Caprese Salad
Ingredients Featured in Our California Chicken Caprese Salad
Recipe Overview
This vibrant California Chicken Caprese Salad is a perfect blend of fresh flavors and textures, making it an ideal meal for any time of day. Packed with lean protein from grilled chicken and healthy fats from avocado, this salad supports energy levels, hormonal balance, and reduces inflammation.
About Our
California Chicken Caprese Salad
The secret to our California Chicken Caprese Salad is the combination of fresh, whole ingredients and our homemade balsamic dressing. Juicy grilled chicken provides lean protein, while creamy avocado offers healthy fats that support energy and hormonal balance. The mix of spring greens and microgreens adds vitamins that boost immunity and heart health. Topped with fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious. Enjoy it as a refreshing, complete meal any time of day.
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The California Chicken Caprese Salad is an excellent Cycle Hack™ for various phases of the menstrual cycle. During the follicular phase, the combination of lean protein from chicken and healthy fats from avocado supports rising energy levels and cell regeneration. In the ovulating phase, this nutrient-dense salad provides the essential vitamins and minerals needed for high energy and optimal hormone production. For the luteal phase, the anti-inflammatory properties of ingredients like basil, garlic, and olive oil help reduce PMS symptoms and support hormonal balance. This vibrant and nourishing meal is perfect for maintaining overall health and well-being throughout your cycle.
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exactly when you need THEM MOST.
What You'll Need
AVOCADOS
Buttery and smooth, avocado is packed with energizing healthy fats.
BASIL LEAVES
Fresh, bright pops of flavor that elevate the salad with their subtle sweetness.
BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREAST
With simple seasonings, this lean protein is juicy and filling. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, if you prefer.
CHERRY TOMATOES
Sharp pops of flavor burst in your mouth with every cherry tomato! It brings just the right amount of acid to balance out the other flavors in the salad.
FRESH MOZZARELLA
Make sure to get a whole fresh mozzarella ball. You can also make this salad even more indulgent by using burrata instead.
MICROGREENS
Tiny but mighty concentrations of folate, zinc, and immune-boosting phytonutrients. Use your favorite kind of microgreens in this recipe.
SPICES
You will need a combination of salt, freshly cracked black pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and onion powder to make the caprese chicken spice mixture. Make sure your spices are fresh to get the best flavor!
SPRING GREENS
The nutrient-dense, fiberful foundation provides vitamins, minerals, and hormone support.
TOASTED PINE NUTS
The toasted crunch of pine nuts adds a textural element to the salad. This can be omitted if you are on a nut-free dietary plan.
How to Make
California Chicken Caprese Salad
PREPARE INGREDIENTS
Prepare all of your ingredients before you start making this recipe. Remove the pits from the avocados and thinly slice them. Thinly slice basil leaves and mozzarella cheese. Measure out all of the ingredients for the spice mixture and the dressing. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Be sure to oil the grates before you add the chicken to the grill.
MAKE CHICKEN
Stir together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and onion powder for the chicken seasoning. Slice the chicken in half horizontally to create four thin filets. Rub the filets liberally with the spice mixture on both sides. Add chicken to the grill once the grill is hot. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165˚F. Remove from heat and set aside. Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
MAKE DRESSING
Whisk together dressing ingredients in a medium bowl until combined. Be sure to whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth.
ASSEMBLE AND SERVE
Add mixed greens to a salad bowl. Top with microgreens, thinly sliced basil, mozzarella cheese slices, avocados, cherry tomatoes, sliced chicken, and pine nuts. Drizzle with dressing and serve immediately.
FAQs
DO I HAVE TO GRILL THE CHICKEN?
If you do not have a grill or don’t have the time to preheat one, you can easily cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat. To do so, add 1 tsp olive oil to a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken filets and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until cooked through (internal temperature of 165˚F).
CAN THE DRESSING BE MADE AHEAD OF TIME?
The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance. If you do make it ahead of time, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Shake the dressing well before serving.
HOW CAN I MAKE THIS RECIPE VEGAN?
This recipe can be made vegan by omitting the chicken altogether or using a meat-substitute instead. In addition, use a vegan mozzarella cheese or omit the cheese from the California chicken caprese salad recipe.
Still hungry?
If you love avocado in your salad, be sure to try our summery Blackberry Avocado and Arugula Salad for a refreshing starter or light lunch.
For a touch of elegance, our Garden Salad with Edible Flowers is perfect for any spring or summer gathering, combining simple, nourishing ingredients with vibrant colors that elevate any meal.
California Chicken Caprese Salad
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly packed
- 1/2 tsp salt
Dressing
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly cracked
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup olive oil extra virgin
Salad
- 5 cups spring greens
- 1/2 cup microgreens
- 1/3 cup basil
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese ball
- 2 avocados
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
Instructions
- Wash and prepare the produce. Remove the pits from the avocados and thinly slice them. Wash the basil, cherry tomatoes, spring greens and microgreens. Thinly slice the basil leaves and cut the cherry tomatoes in half. Rinse and pat dry the spring greens and microgreens.5 cups spring greens, 1/3 cup basil, 2 avocados, 10 oz cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup microgreens
- Thinly slice the mozzarella cheese ball and peel and mince the garlic. Set both aside.8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese ball, 3 cloves garlic
- To toast the pine nuts, heat a small, dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and toast, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and fragrant (about 3-5 minutes). When ready, remove from heat and set aside to cool.1/2 cup pine nuts
Prepare the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix together the chicken spices.1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create four thin filets and rub the chicken filets liberally with the spice mixture on all sides.1 1/2 chicken breasts
Grill the Chicken
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Once the grill is hot, add the seasoned chicken filets.
- Grill the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165˚F. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing into strips.
Prepare the Dressing
- In a medium bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients.1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 3 cloves garlic, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Gradually whisk in the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined.1/3 cup olive oil
Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, add 5 cups of spring greens as the base.5 cups spring greens
- Top with microgreens, thinly sliced basil, mozzarella cheese slices, sliced avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts. Add the sliced grilled chicken on top.1/2 cup microgreens, 1/3 cup basil, 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese ball, 2 avocados, 10 oz cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup pine nuts, 1 1/2 chicken breasts
- Drizzle the prepared balsamic dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine and coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
- Serve the California Chicken Caprese Salad immediately to enjoy its fresh and vibrant flavors! 🥗