Description
Baked Marinated Chicken Salad with Mozzarella and Balsamic Vinaigrette is a vibrant, nutritious dish that perfectly balances fresh ingredients and bold flavors. This delightful salad features tender, oven-baked chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of herbs and spices, served alongside creamy mozzarella, ripe avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crisp baby spinach. Drizzled with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette, this salad is not only easy to prepare but also ideal for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners. With its high protein and low-carb profile, it’s a healthy choice you’ll want to enjoy time and again.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 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
- 5 oz baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 avocado sliced
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken by mixing olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- While the chicken bakes, prepare the balsamic vinaigrette by shaking together balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a jar.
- Assemble the salad by layering baby spinach on a platter followed by sliced baked chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, and fresh mozzarella. Drizzle with vinaigrette before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75mg