Hi there! It’s been a minute since I have posted a new recipe so I’m really excited to get this one up today! I created this recipe way back in the summer when still pregnant with baby girl. I love my Chicken Caprese Salad Jars and, one night when in search for an easy summer dinner idea for me and my husband, I decided to make a deconstructed version of that and see how it would go. Turns out it was a hit! This salad is really easy to throw together and while it is simple, it is also full of flavor! My husband loves it every time we make it. You can bake or grill your chicken for this dish or you can do what I end up doing much of the time and use store-bought rotisserie chicken and shred it into the salad. You can also use your favorite store-bought balsamic vinaigrette, but I always end up whisking mine together from a few ingredients I always have on hand (recipe below). This has been a great go-to recipe for busy weeknights and, bonus, you can pack up any leftovers and store in the refrigerator for a salad for lunch the next day! I love this salad because it’s got most of your meal components in one bowl - protein, dairy, veggie, and whole grain. Sometimes I include quinoa in this salad (it is in the jars) but when I don’t we always have fresh bread with it (and may dip it in our leftover vinaigrette - yum!). Hope you enjoy this as much as we do!
Happy Fueling!
Taylor
family-style chicken caprese salad
Makes 2 to 3 salads
SALAD INGREDIENTS:
6 cups mixed greens
1 cup diced mozzarella cheese (I buy one ball of mozzarella and that makes at least 1 cup diced)
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes (typically about 1/2 a pint)
1 1/2 tablespoons jarred pesto
1 cup warm pulled rotisserie chicken (or bake/grill your own and shred)
About 2 to 3 tablespoons Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing (store-bought or my recipe below)
6 leaves fresh basil, julienned or torn
BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
pinch of salt
BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE DIRECTIONS:
Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl and whisk quickly to combine all ingredients.
Drizzle over your favorite salad or use as a dip for fresh bread and enjoy!
SALAD DIRECTIONS:
In a large bowl, toss the mixed greens with the Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing (you can use more or less dressing as preferred).
In a medium bowl, toss together the cheese, tomatoes and warm chicken with pesto. If chicken has been stored in the refrigerator warm it up for about 15 seconds in the microwave.
Top the mixed greens with the pesto coated chicken, cheese & tomato mixture.
Add torn or julienned basil to the top and serve!
