✨ Introduction
A fresh, hearty salad featuring oven-baked marinated chicken, creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and a bright balsamic vinaigrette—perfect for a balanced lunch or dinner 🍗🥗✨.
🧂 Ingredients
🔸 For the chicken marinade
- 🍗 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 🫒 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 🍷 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 🧄 1 garlic clove, minced
- 🌿 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 🌿 1/4 tsp dried basil
- 🌿 1/8 tsp dried thyme
- 🧂 1/2 tsp coarse salt
- ⚫ 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
🔸 For the salad
- 🧀 8 oz small mozzarella balls, halved
- 🍅 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 🌿 1 bunch fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped (about 15 leaves)
- 🥑 1 avocado, thinly sliced (optional)
- 🥗 4–6 cups spring greens mix
🔸 For the balsamic vinaigrette
- 🍷 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 🫒 1/2 cup olive oil
- 🌟 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 🧂 Dash of salt and freshly ground black pepper
👩🍳 Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl or bag, combine chicken, olive oil, balsamic, garlic, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Coat well and refrigerate 30–60 minutes.
- Bake the chicken: Place chicken in the prepared dish. Bake 25–30 minutes, until cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Optional: broil 2–3 minutes for golden color. Rest 5 minutes.
- Prepare the vinaigrette: Whisk balsamic, olive oil, Dijon, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, toss spring greens, basil, tomatoes, mozzarella, and vinaigrette.
- Serve: Slice the rested chicken and arrange on top. Add avocado (optional), extra basil, and black pepper. Serve warm or chilled.
⏱️ Time & servings
- ⏳ Prep Time: 10 minutes
- 🔥 Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- 🕒 Marinade Time: 30–60 minutes
- 📅 Total Time: ~1 hour 15–40 minutes
- 🍽️ Servings: 4
✅ Tips
- Dry the mozzarella: Pat mini balls with paper towels for a less watery salad.
- Slice against the grain: For the chicken, thin slices stay tender.
- Dress lightly: Add vinaigrette gradually to avoid overdressing greens.
🎯 Conclusion
Simple, bright, and satisfying—this baked marinated chicken salad balances creamy, crunchy, and zesty flavors in every bite 🍗🥗🌿.