If you crave the bright flavors of Italy but want something satisfying and easy to throw together, Chicken Salad Caprese is your answer. Imagine juicy chicken mingling with sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella balls, and fragrant basil, all wrapped up in a tangy olive oil and balsamic glaze dressing. This dish is sunshine in a bowl—quick to prep, bursting with color, and perfect for lunches, picnics, or light dinners. Once you taste just how much flavor you can pack into 15 minutes, Chicken Salad Caprese will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the most delicious Chicken Salad Caprese, you only need a handful of simple ingredients, each bringing its own magic. The colorful mix of chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil gets pulled together by a lively dressing—think fresh, vibrant, and full of texture.
- Cooked chicken breast: Use tender shredded or chopped chicken as the protein foundation—leftovers or rotisserie chicken work perfectly here.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halving these sweet, juicy gems adds bursts of flavor and color to every bite.
- Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine): Their creamy, mild taste brings the classic Caprese touch and luscious texture.
- Fresh basil leaves: Tear or chop just before serving for a seriously aromatic, peppery lift that’s totally signature.
- Olive oil: Choose a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for a smooth and rich base to your dressing.
- Balsamic glaze: This thick, sweet drizzle adds a tangy-sweet punch and beautiful finish—grab extra for serving!
- Lemon juice: A splash of lemon brings zing and brightens every flavor without overpowering.
- Garlic powder: Just a hint wakes up the savory notes in the salad with no fuss or chopping.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste so every ingredient shines and the flavors pop.
How to Make Chicken Salad Caprese
Step 1: Combine the Salad Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add your cooked chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced mozzarella balls, and freshly chopped or torn basil. Toss everything gently—just enough so the colors and flavors begin mingling, but not so much that the cheese loses its shape. This base is already gorgeous and full of promise!
Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic glaze, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. The dressing should look glossy and well blended, with that irresistible mixture of sweet, tart, and savory notes that makes Chicken Salad Caprese sing. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—everyone likes their salad a little different!
Step 3: Dress the Salad
Pour your freshly whisked dressing over the bowl of chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Using a large spoon or spatula, toss the salad very gently to coat everything evenly. You want every piece glossy and flavorful, but don’t overmix—those mozzarella balls should stay intact for that perfect creamy bite.
Step 4: Adjust and Finish
Give your Chicken Salad Caprese a taste. Does it need a touch more salt? Maybe a crack of extra black pepper? Make it yours! For a restaurant-style finish, drizzle over a little extra balsamic glaze just before serving. This not only adds flavor but also gives the salad a beautiful, glossy look.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
This salad is delicious served chilled or at room temperature. If you have the time, let it sit for 10–15 minutes so the flavors come together even more. Whether you pile it on greens, stuff it into a sandwich, or simply enjoy it solo, you won’t believe something so easy can be this tasty.
How to Serve Chicken Salad Caprese
Garnishes
Top your Chicken Salad Caprese with a few whole basil leaves and an extra generous drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving. For extra flair, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or toasted pine nuts can add a touch of elegance and crunch.
Side Dishes
This fresh and lively salad pairs beautifully with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a handful of baby greens. For a fuller meal, try it with a bowl of lemony soup or a light pasta tossed simply in olive oil and herbs. The flavors are versatile enough to match almost any Mediterranean-inspired side.
Creative Ways to Present
Stuff your Chicken Salad Caprese into pita bread, croissants, or even hollowed-out tomatoes for a playful picnic treat. For parties, serve it in petite lettuce cups or atop toasted baguette slices for instant Caprese bruschetta. This salad is a real showstopper, no matter the setting!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have leftovers? No problem! Store your Chicken Salad Caprese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors keep getting better as they mingle, but the mozzarella and basil are at their brightest in the first day or two.
Freezing
While many salads tolerate freezing, Chicken Salad Caprese is best enjoyed fresh. The mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil don’t recover well from freezing and can become watery or mushy when thawed. Stick to refrigerating for the best experience.
Reheating
This dish is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed! If you like your chicken warm, you can gently heat just the chicken before assembling the salad, but keep the rest of the ingredients cool and fresh for that classic Caprese experience.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for Chicken Salad Caprese?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here. Just shred or chop it and toss it right in for extra-savory flavor and a time-saving shortcut.
What if I can’t find mozzarella balls?
If you can’t find bocconcini or ciliegine, just cut a large mozzarella ball into bite-sized pieces. The texture and taste will be just as delicious!
Can I make Chicken Salad Caprese dairy-free?
For a dairy-free spin, swap mozzarella for cubes of avocado or your favorite plant-based cheese. You’ll still enjoy that creamy contrast without the dairy.
Is it possible to prep this salad ahead?
You can mix the chicken, tomatoes, and dressing ahead, but add the mozzarella and basil just before serving to keep everything bright and fresh.
What’s the best way to pack Chicken Salad Caprese for lunch?
Simply store the salad in a sealed container, keeping extra dressing or garnish in a separate small jar. Give everything a final toss before eating for maximum crispness and flavor!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s as rewarding to eat as it is easy to assemble, Chicken Salad Caprese is pure magic. With each bite, you get sweet, savory, creamy, and fresh all together—it’s no wonder this twist on an Italian classic wins hearts at every table. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see just how delicious a simple salad can be!
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Chicken Salad Caprese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad, this Chicken Salad Caprese combines tender chicken with fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing. It’s a perfect dish for a light and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine, halved)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves (chopped or torn)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (plus more for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic glaze, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Drizzle with extra balsamic glaze before serving if desired.
Notes
- This salad is great as a light lunch, on top of greens, or stuffed into pita bread or croissants.
- For extra flavor, marinate the mozzarella in olive oil and herbs ahead of time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
