Introduction
This vibrant and fresh salad is perfect for a light meal or as a side dish. Combining succulent chicken, creamy avocado, and a medley of colorful ingredients, it’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Topped with a sweet and tangy balsamic dressing, this salad is sure to impress at any gathering.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Chicken breasts, halved: 2
Lettuce leaves, washed and dried: 5 cups
Avocado, sliced: 1
Cherry tomatoes, halved: 1 cup
Mozzarella cheese balls: 1/2 cup
Basil leaves, sliced: 1 cup
Balsamic vinegar: 1/4 cup
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
Brown sugar: 2 teaspoons
Garlic, minced: 1 teaspoon
Dried basil: 1 teaspoon
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, dried basil, and salt to create the dressing. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken
Heat a medium pan over medium heat and add a teaspoon of olive oil. Sear the halved chicken breasts on each side until golden and cooked through.
Slice the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, slice it into strips.
Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the lettuce leaves, sliced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese balls, sliced basil leaves, and the sliced chicken.
Add the Dressing
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and serve immediately.
Notes
Chicken Cooking Tip
Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Ingredient Variations
Feel free to substitute the mozzarella balls with feta cheese or omit them for a lighter salad.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs well with crusty bread or can be served as a side dish.
Storage Advice
If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately to maintain freshness.
Cook techniques
Whisking
Whisking is used to combine ingredients smoothly, such as mixing the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, dried basil, and salt for the dressing.
Searing
Searing involves cooking the chicken breasts over medium heat until they become browned and cooked through. This technique enhances flavor through caramelization.
Slicing
Slicing is done to prepare cooked chicken into strips and to prepare other salad ingredients such as avocado and basil leaves to enhance presentation and texture.
Combining
Combining is the process of mixing various ingredients in a large bowl, ensuring even distribution of flavors and creating a visually appealing salad.
Drizzling
Drizzling involves pouring the prepared dressing over the salad just before serving, ensuring an even coating and enhancing the flavor of the ingredients.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of vinegar for the dressing?
Yes, you can substitute balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile.
Is it necessary to cook the chicken?
While cooked chicken adds flavor and texture, you can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Absolutely! You can customize the salad by adding vegetables such as cucumber, bell peppers, or red onion.
How can I store leftover salad?
To store leftover salad, keep the dressing separate and store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day.
What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese?
Alternatives to mozzarella cheese include feta cheese, goat cheese, or even a dairy-free cheese if desired.
Conclusion
The combination of marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and a delightful dressing makes this salad not only nutritious but also bursting with flavor. It’s a perfect dish for a light meal or as a side for a more substantial dinner.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Quinoa Salad
Replace the lettuce with cooked quinoa, and add diced cucumbers, red bell peppers, and chickpeas for a protein-packed alternative.
Fruit Salad
Incorporate seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, and pears instead of avocado and mozzarella for a refreshing twist.
Grilled Vegetable Salad
Add grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus to the base salad for a hearty and smoky flavor.
Pasta Salad
Mix cooked pasta with these ingredients and add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a satisfying pasta salad.
Wrap Instead of Salad
Use the salad ingredients to create a wrap, using whole wheat tortillas for a convenient on-the-go meal.
Asian Chicken Salad
Swap the dressing for a sesame ginger vinaigrette and add shredded carrots, edamame, and crispy wontons for an Asian-inspired salad.
