Fresh Strawberry Caprese Grilled Chicken Salad with Zesty Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette: Your Ultimate Healthy Summer Meal
Get ready to transform your salad game with this incredible Strawberry Caprese Grilled Chicken Salad! Imagine succulent grilled chicken breast, lovingly marinated in a vibrant maple balsamic vinaigrette, then tossed with a bed of crisp, fresh greens, creamy fresh mozzarella cheese, and the irresistible sweetness of ripe strawberries. This isn’t just any salad; it’s a quick, easy, and undeniably delicious twist on a classic Caprese, where we thoughtfully substitute traditional tomatoes with juicy, seasonal Florida strawberries. The result is a symphony of flavors that’s both refreshing and deeply satisfying, making it perfect for a light lunch, a fulfilling weeknight dinner, or even a show-stopping addition to your meal prep routine or next social gathering.
Why This Strawberry Caprese Chicken Salad Will Become Your New Favorite
For many of us, salads are a go-to for healthy eating, but they can quickly become monotonous if not varied. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for innovative ways to keep salads exciting and nutritious. My secret? Incorporating a medley of fresh fruits, luxurious soft cheeses, and vibrant homemade dressings. This approach not only elevates the flavor profile but also ensures every bite is an adventure, preventing that dreaded “salad fatigue.”
My Strawberry Caprese Chicken Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette isn’t just a total game-changer; it became a lunch staple in my household for an entire week! What truly sets this recipe apart is its ingenious maple balsamic vinaigrette. This flavorful dressing serves a dual purpose: it acts as a phenomenal marinade for the chicken, infusing it with deep, complex flavors, and then doubles as the perfect finishing touch for the salad. I find that blending the vinaigrette ingredients together yields a creamier, slightly thicker consistency compared to simply whisking, which coats the greens and chicken beautifully. Of course, you can prepare it however you prefer!
While this grilled chicken salad is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, its fresh and elegant profile also makes it an ideal side dish. Consider serving it at an Easter brunch or dinner, a baby shower, or any spring event where you want to impress with vibrant, seasonal flavors. The addition of creamy avocado at the last minute not only provides a boost of healthy fats but also adds a wonderful texture contrast that makes the salad even more satisfying and visually appealing. The combination of sweet strawberries, tangy balsamic, savory chicken, and fresh mozzarella creates a harmonious balance that delights the palate.
Customizing Your Caprese: Whole30 and Low-Carb Options
One of the best aspects of this Strawberry Caprese Chicken Salad is its adaptability. Whether you’re adhering to specific dietary guidelines or simply looking to modify it to your taste, this recipe offers flexibility.
For those following a Whole30 program, making this salad compliant is straightforward. The key adjustments involve omitting the mozzarella cheese from the salad and swapping the maple syrup in the vinaigrette. To retain a touch of natural sweetness in the dressing, consider blending in 2-3 fresh dates. Dates offer a rich, caramel-like flavor that can beautifully complement the balsamic vinegar without adding refined sugars. Alternatively, for another delicious Whole30-compliant option, you could substitute the maple balsamic vinaigrette with this delightful Dijon Vinaigrette, which is equally versatile and flavorful. These simple swaps ensure you can enjoy a wholesome and compliant meal without compromising on taste.
Similarly, if you’re aiming for a lower-carb version of this salad, you have a couple of options. You can reduce the amount of maple syrup in the vinaigrette by half, or eliminate it entirely if you prefer a less sweet, more tangy dressing. The natural sweetness from the strawberries will still provide a pleasant counterpoint to the savory and acidic elements. Remember, you’re the chef here, so feel free to adjust to your specific needs and preferences – you’re the boss, applesauce!
Perfect for Meal Prep: Enjoy Healthy Lunches All Week
I absolutely adore prepping this Strawberry Caprese Chicken Salad ahead of time. It makes for effortless, healthy lunches throughout the week, eliminating the mid-day scramble for something nutritious. But its meal prep capabilities aren’t limited to lunch; it’s equally simple to prepare all the components in advance for a quick and satisfying dinner when time is tight.
How to Prep This Salad Ahead of Time for Lunch or Dinner:
- **Marinating the Chicken:** For maximum flavor and tender results, I highly recommend marinating the chicken breast (or thighs, if preferred) for a minimum of two hours. You can extend this up to eight hours, but avoid marinating longer than eight hours. The acidity from the balsamic vinegar can begin to break down the chicken fibers too much, leading to a less desirable texture.
- **Vinaigrette Versatility:** The maple balsamic vinaigrette can be blended together well in advance. Prepare a batch before your workday begins, marinate your chicken, and then simply come home to assemble the fresh salad veggies. This dressing is robust and will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to one week, making it a fantastic staple for various salads throughout your week.
- **Full Meal Prep:** For ultimate convenience, you can prep almost everything the night before. This includes making the dressing, washing and chopping all salad components, marinating the chicken, and even grilling the chicken. The trick for keeping your salad fresh and crisp is to assemble it right before it’s time to eat. This strategy is particularly perfect for entertaining guests or preparing for a party, ensuring everything is ready to go with minimal last-minute fuss.
- **Mason Jar Salads:** If you’re a fan of grab-and-go lunches, especially during the busy work week, mason jar salads are your best friend! To create a perfectly layered and fresh salad, assemble it in the following order from bottom to top: Start with 1-2 tablespoons of the dressing at the very bottom. Next, add your cooked and cooled grilled chicken. Follow with the fresh mozzarella cheese, then the sliced strawberries, and creamy avocado. Finally, top it all off with your mixed greens of choice. This layering technique keeps the greens from getting soggy, preserving their freshness until you’re ready to enjoy.
Strawberry Caprese Grilled Chicken Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
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Ingredients
For the Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
- 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil – or avocado oil for a milder flavor
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar – choose a good quality one for best results
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup – omit for Whole30/keto, or substitute with dates for natural sweetness
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed – for an aromatic kick
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- salt and pepper, to taste – adjust seasoning to your preference
For the Grilled Chicken Strawberry Caprese Salad
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast – chicken thighs can also be used for a richer flavor
- 1/2 tablespoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 cup maple balsamic vinaigrette dressing, divided in half – use the freshly prepared dressing from the recipe above
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – or avocado oil, for grilling
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, washed and sliced – for a burst of sweetness
- 6 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or cubed – for that classic Caprese creaminess
- 1 large avocado, pitted and sliced – Haas avocado suggested for its creamy texture
- 4 cups mixed greens of choice – romaine, spring mix, baby kale, or your preferred blend
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn or finely chopped – chiffonade for an elegant touch
Instructions
Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
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To a blender, add the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, smashed garlic cloves, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Blend thoroughly until the vinaigrette is completely emulsified and creamy. This dressing can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one (1) week, making meal prep a breeze.
Grilled Chicken Strawberry Caprese Salad
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Place the chicken breast (or thighs) in a large resealable bag or a bowl. Season the chicken generously with Kosher salt and black pepper. Pour half of the prepared maple balsamic dressing (approximately 1/2 cup) over the chicken breasts. Ensure the chicken is fully coated, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, and up to 8 hours, allowing the flavors to penetrate thoroughly.
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Once marinated, remove the chicken from the maple balsamic marinade, discarding any excess marinade. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, grill the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which typically takes about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove the chicken from the skillet/grill pan and let it rest for 7-10 minutes before slicing or cubing it for your salad. This resting period helps keep the chicken juicy.
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In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the sliced fresh strawberries, fresh mozzarella (sliced or cubed), avocado slices, your chosen mixed greens, and the grilled chicken. Drizzle the remaining maple balsamic vinaigrette over the ingredients and toss lightly to combine everything evenly. Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves, torn or finely chopped, just before serving. Enjoy your delicious and refreshing salad!
Notes
For convenient meal prep, cook the chicken and prepare all salad components ahead of time. However, to ensure the freshest taste and texture, wait to toss the salad with the dressing until right before you are ready to serve it.
To make this recipe Whole30 compliant: simply omit the mozzarella cheese. For the dressing, omit the maple syrup and consider adding 2-3 fresh dates to the blender for a natural, subtle sweetness.
To create a lower-carb version: reduce the amount of maple syrup by half or omit it entirely from the vinaigrette.
Nutrition
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