Chicken Caprese Salad – Made up of crisp lettuce, marinated grilled chicken, itty bitty fresh mozzarella pearls, creamy avocados, fresh basil ribbons, vibrant tomatoes, and it’s all finished with a zippy balsamic dressing. It’s an exceptional chopped salad that’s sure to impress!

Caprese chopped salad with grilled chicken, avocado, tomato, fresh mozzarella, and basil shown from overhead.

If you love the tomato basil mozzarella flavor trio you will be smitten with this salad! You get all the familiar flavors of a classic caprese salad that’s elevated with bonus additions of herby grilled chicken, rich avocado, and a sweet and tangy balsamic dressing.

Of course this salad is a summer dream, but with its beautiful red and green colors it is also a gorgeously festive holiday salad too. Included are other more seasonal-friendly options to prepare the chicken when you aren’t able to grill outside.

This may become a new favorite salad for you — it’s a dazzling dish, brimming with layer upon layer of fresh, mouthwatering flavor. And it’s one of those salads you can happily count as the main meal, thanks to its hearty protein additions. Serve it with fresh dinner rolls and everyone will be thoroughly satisfied.

Ingredients used to make chicken chopped salad shown in bowls with labels.

Caprese Chicken Salad Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts: This protein addition makes the salad a main dish rather than just a side. You can also use chicken thighs in this recipe.
  • Olive oil: Used in the marinade to help retain moisture, and also in the dressing for richness and flavor.
  • Lemon: Added for brightness and tenderizing in the marinade.
  • Dijon mustard: Found in both the marinade and dressing for a boost in flavor.
  • Honey: A little goes a long way. Used to help the chicken brown better (those desirable grill marks), and also in the dressing to balance its tartness.
  • Italian seasoning: A dried herb blend added to season the chicken marinade.
  • Salt and pepper: Salt brings out all the flavors of the food; pepper adds more depth.
  • Balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar varies widely — you can use a fancier aged balsamic or an inexpensive variety.
  • Garlic: A bold flavor enhancer. A little goes a long way.
  • Romaine lettuce: The best type of leafy green to use here as it holds up better to heavier mix-ins.
  • Fresh mozzarella pearls: If you can’t find the pearl size, simply cut a ball of fresh mozzarella into small cubes.
  • Grape tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes work great too.
  • Avocados: Two avocados are recommended — they’re delicious, make the salad more filling, and complement the other ingredients beautifully.
  • Fresh basil: A key ingredient that brings one of the foundational caprese flavors to the salad.

Chicken marinade ingredients shown in a glass bowl before mixing. Includes oil, lemon, dijon, herbs and garlic.

Chicken marinade shown in a glass bowl with a whisk, after mixing and blended.

Chicken breasts in an Italian marinade in a resealable bag.

How to Make Chicken Caprese Salad

Make the chicken marinade: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 3 Tbsp olive oil, the lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp honey, 1 tsp garlic, and season with salt and pepper to taste (about 1¼ tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper).

Prepare the chicken: Place chicken in a resealable bag and pound the thicker parts to an even thickness with a meat mallet, then pour the marinade over the chicken.

Rest in the fridge: Seal the bag and rub the marinade over the chicken. Transfer to the refrigerator and marinate for 2–6 hours.

Make the balsamic vinaigrette: Prepare this while the chicken is marinating and refrigerate until ready to serve. Whisk all vinaigrette ingredients together in a bowl until well combined, then cover and chill.