Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Baked Marinated Chicken Salad with Mozzarella and Balsamic Vinaigrette. This delightful dish combines tender, marinated chicken with creamy mozzarella, fresh spinach, ripe cherry tomatoes, and luscious avocado, all drizzled with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, this salad is not only nutritious but also bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 5 oz baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 avocado sliced
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (for vinaigrette)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and ensure they are well-coated in the marinade. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once done, let it rest for about 5–10 minutes before slicing into strips.
- In a jar or container, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Slowly whisk in extra virgin olive oil until fully emulsified. Set aside.
- While the chicken is baking, prepare your salad ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the avocado, drain mozzarella balls if necessary, and wash baby spinach leaves thoroughly.
- Start by laying down a bed of baby spinach on a serving platter or individual plates. Top with sliced chicken, halved tomatoes, sliced avocado, and mozzarella balls arranged beautifully.
- Drizzle your homemade balsamic vinaigrette over the assembled salad just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 300g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 100mg