If you’re dreaming of a lunch or light dinner that’s both fresh and satisfying, Chicken Salad Caprese is the answer to your cravings. This vibrant dish combines juicy chicken with sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil—then ties everything together with the perfect drizzle of balsamic. It’s an irresistible mashup of Italian inspiration and everyday comfort food, and honestly, I could eat this every day of the week. Whether you’re packing it for a picnic, whisking it together for a quick weeknight meal, or simply craving something that tastes and looks like summer on a plate, Chicken Salad Caprese is pure magic that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about Chicken Salad Caprese is how the simple, high-quality ingredients truly shine. Each component brings something special to the table—whether it’s texture, vibrant color, or a burst of flavor—making every bite delightful of its own accord.
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, shredded or chopped): For best results, use juicy, just-cooked chicken or leftover rotisserie for unbeatable tenderness.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Their sweet pop adds color and that sun-ripened taste that defines every good Caprese.
- Fresh mozzarella balls (1 cup, bocconcini, halved if large): Creamy, mild, and utterly irresistible—tear them, slice them, or just let them melt in your mouth.
- Fresh basil leaves (1/2 cup, torn or chopped): Don’t skimp! This green touch perfumes the whole salad and makes it taste like a summer garden.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Use the best extra-virgin you have for lush richness.
- Balsamic glaze or reduction (1 tablespoon): Just before serving, the sweet drizzle wakes up every ingredient.
- Balsamic vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds brightness and rounds out the flavors after tossing.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Simple seasonings, yes, but crucial for balancing and elevating every bite.
How to Make Chicken Salad Caprese
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Grab a big mixing bowl and add your cooked chicken, those jewel-bright cherry tomatoes, the creamy mozzarella balls, and your leafy, fragrant basil. Making sure everything is well-distributed sets the foundation for a salad where every forkful gets a bit of everything.
Step 2: Add the Olive Oil and Vinegar
Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar evenly over all the ingredients in your bowl. This simple blend is the secret to classic Caprese flavor—it ties together the creamy mozzarella, juicy chicken, and tangy tomatoes in perfect harmony.
Step 3: Toss and Season
Using a large spoon or your hands, gently toss everything together so the dressing coats all the gorgeous components without breaking up the mozzarella. A gentle touch keeps the textures just right. Season generously with salt and black pepper, tasting as you go—you want those flavors to pop!
Step 4: Serve and Glaze
Transfer the Chicken Salad Caprese onto a beautiful serving platter or into individual bowls. Finish by drizzling the balsamic glaze or reduction over the top just before serving. This last step creates an eye-catching finish and a sweet-tangy contrast that’s downright addictive.
How to Serve Chicken Salad Caprese
Garnishes
For a restaurant-worthy presentation, sprinkle a few extra torn basil leaves over the top and add a few cracks of black pepper right before serving. If you want it to look even more stunning, a drizzle of golden olive oil adds extra gloss and flavor.
Side Dishes
Chicken Salad Caprese does beautifully as a stand-alone meal, but you can round it out with a slice of crusty toasted bread, a bowl of simple green salad, or even some herby roasted potatoes. If you’re going for a lighter meal, serve it atop a bed of peppery arugula or mixed greens.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or lunches, try serving Chicken Salad Caprese in lettuce cups, pile it on garlic crostini for appetizers, or use it as a filling for wraps or pita pockets. If you want a showstopper at your picnic, layer the salad in a glass jar for a portable and picturesque treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken Salad Caprese in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to two days, although the basil is best enjoyed within the first day. If you know you’ll have leftovers, keep the basil separate and add it just before serving for maximum freshness.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and isn’t a candidate for freezing, since the textures of the cheese, tomatoes, and basil won’t hold up well after thawing. For longer-term storage, keep only the cooked chicken in the freezer and assemble the rest of the ingredients fresh.
Reheating
Chicken Salad Caprese is designed to be eaten chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. For the best experience, take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to let the flavors shine and the cheese soften.
FAQs
Can I use grilled chicken instead of plain cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor that’s wonderful with the classic Caprese ingredients. Leftover rotisserie chicken also works beautifully for extra convenience and flavor depth.
What can I use instead of mozzarella balls?
If you can’t find bocconcini, you can use fresh mozzarella cut into cubes or even a torn burrata for an even creamier twist. The important thing is that the cheese is fresh and soft.
How long will Chicken Salad Caprese last in the fridge?
It generally keeps well for up to two days when stored in a well-sealed container. However, for the freshest basil flavor and best texture, try to enjoy it within 24 hours of making it.
Can I make Chicken Salad Caprese dairy-free?
If you’re avoiding dairy, simply leave out the mozzarella or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative. You’ll still get all the fresh flavors of the dish with a lower-carb profile.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Chicken Salad Caprese is naturally gluten-free, so it’s a perfect choice for anyone with gluten sensitivities or following a low-carb lifestyle. Just be cautious if you add bread or other sides.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the bold, sun-kissed flavors and effortless charm of Chicken Salad Caprese. I hope you give this recipe a try and make it your own—whether for weeknight dinners, picnics, or memorable gatherings! Let Chicken Salad Caprese become your new go-to for fresh, quick meals that deliver every single time.
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Chicken Salad Caprese Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad, this Chicken Salad Caprese combines tender cooked chicken with sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all tossed in a balsamic and olive oil dressing. It’s a perfect light and flavorful dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved if large
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or reduction
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
- Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls and drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
- Serve immediately, chilled or at room temperature.
Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking.
- This salad also works well with grilled chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken.
- Serve on a bed of greens or with toasted bread for a more filling meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
