Mediterranean Balsamic Caprese Salad
Enjoy this Mediterranean Balsamic Caprese Salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, olives, onion, basil, and balsamic dressing. Add chicken for a hearty meal!
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Balsamic Caprese Salad. This refreshing salad features a delightful blend of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, salty Kalamata olives, crisp red onion, and fresh basil, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic dressing. For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken thighs to transform this light side dish into a satisfying main course, making it a healthy and flavorful addition to your weeknight meals.
Ingredients in Balsamic Caprese Salad
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs – For those who prefer a leaner option, chicken breasts can be used instead.
- Romaine Lettuce – Adds a crisp base to the salad.
- Avocado – Creamy avocado slices enhance the richness.
- Red Onion – Thinly sliced red onion adds a mild, sweet crunch. Cut the rings in half for easier bites.
- Kalamata Olives – You can buy these already sliced, but if you have whole olives, simply slice them to enhance their briny flavor.
- Cucumber – Cut into thin slices and then halved for a refreshing crunch.
- Lemon Zest – Brightens the dish with a burst of citrus flavor.
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes – Halve these for a juicy pop in every bite.
- Mini Mozzarella or Bocconcini Cheese Balls – If you can’t find these, any fresh mozzarella will work, including my favorite, burrata, for extra creaminess.
- Fresh Basil – Stack the leaves, roll them tightly, and slice them into thin strips for a fragrant garnish.
- Fresh Oregano (Optional) – Add for an extra herbal note.
Dressing
- Balsamic Vinegar – I recommend using organic balsamic vinegar for the best flavor.
- Olive Oil – Use high-quality Extra Virgin Olive Oil for richness.
- Brown Sugar – A touch of sweetness balances the acidity.
- Fresh Garlic – Minced finely for an aromatic kick. I prefer not to buy pre-peeled or minced garlic for freshness and quality.
- Dried Basil – This is perfect for the dressing, while fresh basil is ideal for the salad itself.
- Salt – To taste.
More Salads
- Greek Chickpea Salad – Greek Chickpea Salad features 18g of protein, 49g of carbs, and just 11g of fat. It’s an ideal nutritious meal, especially when paired with grilled chicken, and makes for the perfect summer side dish.
- Chili Lime Shrimp Salad – Revitalize with Chili Lime Shrimp Salad! Marinated shrimp, arugula, avocado, tomatoes, and cucumbers in a zesty chili lime dressing—a perfect work lunch!
- Butternut Squash Kale Salad with Maple Cider Dressing – Roasted butternut squash, spiced pine nuts, goat cheese and tender kale all topped with a flavorful Maple Cider Dressing in this Butternut Squash Kale Salad.
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Mediterranean Balsamic Caprese Salad
Ingredients
Dressing:
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp Light Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
Salad:
- 4 chicken thigh fillets (skin removed (no bone))
- 5 cups romaine (washed and dried)
- ½ avocado (sliced)
- ½ red onion (thinly sliced)
- ¼ cup kalamata olives (chopped)
- 1 small cucumber (chopped)
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes (sliced)
- ½ cup mini mozzarella/bocconcini cheese balls
- ¼ cup basil leaves (thinly sliced)
- salt and pepper (to season)
Instructions
- Preheat Grill to 400℉.
- In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tsp Light Brown Sugar, 1 tsp minced garlic, 1 tsp dried basil, and 1 tsp salt. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Season 4 chicken thigh fillets with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-fry until internal temperature reads 165℉. Allow to rest on counter for 5 minutes, then slice.
- In a large bowl, combine 5 cups romaine, ½ avocado, ½ red onion, ¼ cup kalamata olives, 1 small cucumber, 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, ½ cup mini mozzarella/bocconcini cheese balls, and ¼ cup basil leaves. salt and pepper to taste, then top with 2 tbsp lemon zest. Top the salad with the sliced chicken.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil or oregano if desired.