Chicken Caprese Salad

Chicken Caprese Salad made with tomatoes, spinach, mozzarella cheese, and homemade croutons. The homemade croutons make this dinner salad so delicious!

The inspiration for this chicken caprese was leftover crusty bread and my favorite salad of summer, the classic caprese, with its layers tomato, basil, and mozzarella drizzled in olive oil. This is the perfect summer salad.

The rest of the salad was built using what I already had -- leftover bread, chicken breasts and spinach. Do not be intimidated by the homemade croutons! It only takes a few minutes, and it's a great use for leftover bread.

For the first time, I used leftover focaccia as croutons (10/10 recommend), but any crusty bread would do.

This recipe yields 4 large salads. You can add a balsamic glaze and olive oil to the salad, or make a basil vinaigrette.

I love a good salad for dinner -- it's a great way to get vegetables and protein in one dish. You don't need a side dish - just cook, assemble, and go.

Chicken Caprese Salad Ingredients

• Crusty Bread:Any crusty bread is suitable for homemade croutons. This is a great way of using up leftovers from a loaf. Leftover focaccia makes great homemade croutons.
• Chicken Breast:To speed up the preparation of this salad, I purchase chicken breast and slice it into thinner pieces. This reduces the cooking time, and makes the chicken cook evenly.
• Italian seasoning : I use this homemade Italian spice, but you can also use a mixture of thyme and rosemary with garlic and oregano.
• Olive Oil:The only thing on the salad is vinegar and olive oil, so it's important to use a high-quality oil. I prefer a flavorful, full-bodied olive oil such as our Italian Nocellara and our Spanish Hojiblanca. I use it for cooking the chicken breasts and making the croutons.
• Spinach Since I always keep a tub or baby spinach at home, it's a natural choice. However, you can also use arugula and a crunchy romaine.
• Fresh basil leaves: A handful is enough. This is a staple in caprese, so it is a must-have in this salad. Basil gives the salad a herbal sweetness.
• Grape tomato: Because they are already bite-sized, I prefer to use grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes for this caprese. However, if you happen to have a bigger slicing tomatoes go ahead and substitute them.
• Mozzarella Smaller orbs of Pearl mozzarella are best for this recipe because they're bite-sized. If you only have a large ball, don't worry. Simply chop it and throw it into the bowl.
• Balsamic Glaze: Balsamic glazing is thicker and sweeter that balsamic vinaigrette. You can use balsamic vinaigrette to make Homemade Balsamic Glace if you do not have balsamic glazing on hand. This only takes a couple of minutes.
• Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper: The salt brings out the flavors, while the pepper gives it that earthy, spicy kick.

How To Make Chicken Caprese Salad

This salad requires a bit of cooking, but you can do it all in one skillet. You won't need to wash a lot of dishes. Make the homemade croutons first. In the same skillet you used to cook the croutons, cook the chicken. All that's left is tossing the ingredients in a bowl or bowls.

• To make the croutons, place the bread cubes or crumbs in a large skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil. Toss the bread to coat. Toss the bread every now and then as you cook it until it is golden brown, crispy, and toasted. It should only take 5 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a serving plate.
• Take the breast of the chicken and cut it in half. Cut the thick breast into four thin cutlets by slicing it on the horizon. On all sides, season them with Italian seasoning. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet you used for the croutons and heat it on medium. Add the chicken cutlets when the oil starts to shimmer. Then flip the chicken over and cook for 3-4 minutes on the other side. Transfer the chicken to a cuttingboard.
• Assemble your salad:Divide spinach, basil torn, tomatoes halved, and pearl cheese among four bowls. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Top each salad off with homemade croutons. Pour balsamic and extra virgin olive oils on top. Divide the chicken breasts between the bowls. You can drizzle the basil vinaigrette over each salad.

What to serve with Chicken Caprese Salad

The chicken caprese salad can be a meal by itself. But if you prefer soups and salads, I understand.

Salmorejo is a chilled Spanish soup.

This salad is perfect for summer when the temperatures are rising. If that is the case, I make a large pitcher of strawberry-lemonade. Or if I have friends over I will serve white wine sangria.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Rice is a part of the Mediterranean diet

Rice is both allowed and encouraged on the Mediterranean diet. This diet encourages the consumption of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Whole-grain rice is an excellent carbohydrate source that provides energy to the body. It is also a great source of dietary fibre, which can improve digestion and provide vital nutrients such as iron and B vitamins. Cooked rice can be added to meals, such as soups and stews. It is possible to reduce added fat, if necessary, in order to eat rice-based meals within the guidelines of Mediterranean nutrition.

Can the Mediterranean Diet be vegetarian

Yes, the Mediterranean Diet can be adapted to be vegetarian. Vegetarians can omit animal proteins such as poultry, fish, and red meat to follow this eating style. Vegetarians can opt for a variety plant-based protein source, including legumes, nuts, seeds and other staples of the Mediterranean Diet. Adding healthy fats such as olive oil, olives, and avocados will help compensate for the sourced protein if needed. You can also incorporate alternative dairy sources like tofu and soy yogurt to get vitamins and minerals, while still following a vegetarian diet. Other ideas include adding nuts and seeds to salads or bowls, mashing beans on toast, substituting ice cream for frozen banana slices, or serving hummus with vegetables throughout the day.

What are some of the principles that underlie the Mediterranean diet?

Mediterranean diet is known for its focus on healthy, nutritious food choices as well as regular physical activity. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes whole foods, fruits, vegetables and legumes. It also includes moderate amounts of dairy products and meats. It also encourages red wine in moderation. The following are the main principles of the Mediterranean Diet:

1. Eat primarily plant-based foods, including fruits and vegetables; whole-grain bread and cereals; beans (legumes), nuts, and seeds; healthy fats from olive oil and olives; small amounts of low-fat cheese; yogurt (preferably nonfat); fish (at least twice a week), small amounts of lean poultry or red meat about once per week; minimal fried foods.
2. When possible, prefer fresh ingredients to pre-packaged processed foods.
3. To enhance the flavor of your meals, add herbs to replace salt.
4. You can incorporate physical activity into your day, such as going for a walk after dinner and taking part in a class.
5. Enjoy sharing meals with loved ones and enjoy the shared experience of cooking together.
6. Mindful eating is about paying attention to the flavors, textures, smells, and textures of your food. This will help you know when you are full or satisfied.

Can I have alcohol on the Mediterranean Diet?

Yes, it is possible to enjoy alcoholic beverages in moderation as part of the Mediterranean diet. You should limit your drinking to just one glass per day for men and 1 glass for women. Suitable drinks include dry wines, beer, and spirits made with natural ingredients such as brandy, vodka, whiskey, or gin. Due to the high sugar content of heavy spirits such as cocktails, they should be avoided. You can also drink water and herbal teas every day to keep your body hydrated. This will help curb the cravings for sugary beverages.

Can I use regular olive oil instead of extra virgin olive oil?

In the Mediterranean diet, you can use regular olive oil instead of extra virgin olive oil. Though Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) is preferred for its higher quality, nutritional benefits, and richer flavor, regular olive oil is still a viable option with its mild flavor profile. Regular olive oil is great for everyday cooking, from stir-frying to roasting vegetables. This oil comes at a lower cost than EVOO. Others believe it might be better suited to high heat applications, such deep frying. It is important to remember that it doesn't contain as many nutrients or positive compounds than EVOO. Therefore, you should try to compensate for these benefits with other food items.

Statistics

• One small study suggested that swapping one-half of your serving of a high-glycemic starch (like rice) with lentils helps lower the glycemic response by 20 percent. (everydayhealth.com)
• Benefits of Replacing foods high in saturated fats (like butter) with plant sources high in monounsaturated fatty acids, like olive oil, may help lower the risk of heart disease by 19 percent, according to research. (everydayhealth.com)
• 1g sugar Benefits Rich in heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats, these nuts may also favourably impact your gut microbiome (and thus improve digestive health) and lower LDL cholesterol, according to a small study that included 18 healthy adults. (everydayhealth.com)
• The Mediterranean Diet group had a 30% lower relative risk of cardiovascular events compared to the low-fat diet group. (my.clevelandclinic.org)

External Links

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• The Mediterranean Diet - From an Environment-Driven Culture of Food to an Emerging Medical Prescription (PMC)


• Definition of Mediterranean Diet - A Literature Review. PMC

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• Mediterranean Diet Beginner's Guide: Ranked #1 Best Diet in 2023 | U.S. News


• The Best Diets in 2023 – Expertly Reviewed by US News Health

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• (PDF). The Association Between Dietary Patterns, Insulin Resistance and A Systematic Review


• (PDF). Citrus as an ingredient in the Mediterranean diet

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• Health Benefits of Mediterranean Diet: Biochemical and Molecular Mechanisms - PubMed


• PubMed: The Mediterranean Diet and Cardiovascular Health

How To

How does the Mediterranean Diet support brain health?

The Mediterranean diet is a pattern of eating rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and healthy fats while low in red meat and added sugar. There have been many benefits, including improved brain health. The Mediterranean Diet has been shown to reduce dementia risk and slow down age-related cognitive decline. It may improve mood and offer protection against oxidative stress as well.

Numerous aspects of the Mediterranean Diet support brain health as well as cognitive decline. Consuming large amounts antioxidant-rich food items like fruits and veggies, which are rich in vitamins and minerals, has the greatest benefit. Monounsaturated fats, such as olive oils, are important for maintaining healthy omega-3 levels. This is critical for brain health. Limiting processed carbohydrates could also improve mental clarity. It can stabilize blood glucose levels throughout your day and reduce inflammation associated chronic diseases like Alzheimer's disease or stroke.

A Mediterranean diet that includes lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean protein like poultry or fish; whole grains; plenty of healthy fats from olive oils; occasional red wine; moderate dairy intakes such as yogurt and cheese will help to maintain adequate nutrition over time. This will help reduce cognitive decline. Regular physical activity at a moderate intensity will help increase serotonin production which in turn supports mental well-being. Combining these tips can improve one's chances of maintaining good mental and physical health into old age.

Resources:

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