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• My Chicken Caprese Salad Is Fresh, Flavorful, And Filling
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Chicken Caprese Salad
• My Recipe Tips
• Chicken Caprese Salad Recipe card
• More Caprese-Inspired Recipes
• Recipe Reviews

My Chicken Caprese Salad Is Fresh, Flavorful, And Filling

Chicken adds an instant protein boost to any salad, and Caprese is no exception! That’s why I know you’ll love this chicken caprese salad just as much as I do. I’ve made it for weeknight dinners and even summer lunches , and it always hits the spot. Between the juicy chicken, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and sweet balsamic glaze, it checks every box. Here’s why you’ll love it as much as I do:

• Sweet and tangy dressing – The balsamic glaze brings just the right mix of sweetness and acidity to balance the creamy mozzarella and juicy tomatoes.
• Extra juicy chicken – I marinate it just like my balsamic chicken , so it turns out tender, flavorful, and a perfect match for all the fresh Caprese flavors.
• Easy to make – With just 8 ingredients and 20 minutes, this is one of those meals you can toss together fast, but it still feels fresh and a little fancy.

It’s everything a summer salad should be. Make it with me!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my chicken caprese salad recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

For The Chicken Marinade:

• Chicken Breast – I usually go with boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cook them in the air fryer, but boneless thighs work great too. You could even use leftover shredded chicken or my balsamic chicken if you’ve got some on hand.

• Balsamic Vinegar – A good-quality balsamic makes a big difference in this chicken caprese salad. The better the vinegar, the better the flavor.

• Olive Oil – I like using extra virgin olive oil for that classic Caprese taste, but regular olive oil or even avocado oil will still do the trick.

• Spices – Just a simple mix of garlic powder , dried basil , oregano , sea salt, and black pepper. Nothing fancy, but they bring the flavor.

• Romaine Lettuce – I usually go with romaine for the crunch, but spring mix, iceberg, or pretty much any lettuce you like will work just fine.

• Cherry Tomatoes – I love cherry tomatoes for how they look in this salad, but grape tomatoes or even chopped heirlooms would be just as tasty.

• Fresh Mozzarella Balls – You really want that creamy, classic Caprese flavor, so no swapping in other cheeses here. I like the ones packed in water (they’re bigger and look nicer), but if you can’t find the minis, just chop up a larger ball of fresh mozzarella.

• Fresh Basil Leaves – Dried basil won’t give you that same bright, herby flavor to your chicken capres salad.

• Balsamic Glaze – I usually make mine from scratch, but store-bought works too! Just check the label because a lot of them have added sugar.

VARIATION: Make a balsamic dressing instead.

I kept it simple with balsamic glaze, but if you’re more of a vinaigrette person, just whisk 2 parts olive oil with 1 part balsamic vinegar, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Sometimes I add a little Dijon or Italian seasoning to mix it up. My creamy balsamic dressing works too!

How To Make Chicken Caprese Salad

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Marinate the chicken . Whisk together everything for the marinade in a big bowl, then add the chicken and toss to coat. Let it marinate.
2. Cook the chicken . Cook it however you like (I usually air fry or bake ). Slice the chicken into strips.

1. Make the glaze . If you’re making it from scratch, follow my balsamic glaze recipe and set it aside until you’re ready to assemble.
2. Toss the salad . Add the lettuce, tomatoes, and mozzarella balls to a big bowl and give it a quick toss.
3. Finish it off . Top your chicken caprese salad with the sliced chicken, fresh basil, and a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze.

My Recipe Tips

• Marinate longer if you can. Even just 30 minutes gives the chicken more time to soak up that balsamic flavor. I usually throw it in the fridge earlier in the day.
• Cook the chicken however you want. I usually make air fryer chicken breast for this salad because it’s quick and easy, but grilled chicken , baked chicken , or even pan seared chicken all work too. Just be sure to check the cooking time based on the method you choose.
• No matter how you cook it, make sure the chicken reaches 165 degrees F inside. I use this instant read meat thermometer to check it quickly without cutting into the meat.
• Let the chicken rest. This helps lock in the juices. I give it 5 minutes, then slice against the grain so it’s extra tender.
• Want to switch it up? Sometimes I add creamy avocado to make it more filling, or thinly sliced red onion for a little bite. You can also skip the greens and layer it more like a traditional Caprese with slices of tomato, mozzarella, basil, and chicken.

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

For The Chicken:

• 2 tbsp Balsamic vinegar ▢

• 1 tbsp Olive oil ▢

• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder ▢

• 1 tsp Dried basil ▢

• 1/2 tsp Dried oregano ▢

• 1 tsp Sea salt ▢

• 1/4 tsp Black pepper ▢

• 4 8-oz Boneless skinless chicken breasts ▢

• 5 cups Romaine lettuce (chopped) ▢

• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes (halved) ▢

• 1/2 cup Fresh mozzarella balls ▢

• 1/4 cup Fresh basil (cut into ribbons) ▢

• 1/4 cup Balsamic glaze ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. In a large bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken breasts and turn to coat in the marinade. Set aside to marinate for at least 10 minutes , or marinate in the fridge for up to 8 hours.
2. Cook chicken breasts in the air fryer like this or in the oven like this . (Use the ingredients above, and check these links for cook times and temperatures based on your preferred method.)
3. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes , then slice against the grain. Cover to keep warm.
4. Meanwhile, make the balsamic glaze like this .
5. In a large salad bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chicken.
6. Sprinkle the salad with basil leaves and drizzle with balsamic glaze.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 1/2 cups salad, 1 chicken breast, and 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you pack in more flavor, keep the chicken juicy, and make this salad work for whatever you’re craving.
• Store: Keep leftover chicken caprese salad in a covered container in the fridge for 2–3 days, but just know the lettuce and basil will soften pretty quickly.
• Meal prep: I like to cook the chicken and make the glaze ahead of time, then chop the veggies and store everything separately. Just toss it all together when you’re ready to eat.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Chicken Caprese Salad

More Caprese-Inspired Recipes

If you love the classic flavor combo of Caprese salad, you’ll enjoy these easy recipes too:

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

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The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Chicken Caprese Salad

My chicken caprese salad is fresh, filling, and easy to make with juicy chicken, mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and a sweet balsamic glaze.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/chicken-caprese-salad/

Ingredients

For The Chicken:

• 2 tbsp Balsamic vinegar

• 1 tbsp Olive oil

• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder

• 1 tsp Dried basil

• 1/2 tsp Dried oregano

• 1 tsp Sea salt

• 1/4 tsp Black pepper

• 4 8-oz Boneless skinless chicken breasts

• 5 cups Romaine lettuce (chopped)

• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes (halved)

• 1/2 cup Fresh mozzarella balls

• 1/4 cup Fresh basil (cut into ribbons)

• 1/4 cup Balsamic glaze

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken breasts and turn to coat in the marinade. Set aside to marinate for at least 10 minutes , or marinate in the fridge for up to 8 hours.
2. Cook chicken breasts in the air fryer like this or in the oven like this . (Use the ingredients above, and check these links for cook times and temperatures based on your preferred method.)
3. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes , then slice against the grain. Cover to keep warm.
4. Meanwhile, make the balsamic glaze like this .
5. In a large salad bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chicken.
6. Sprinkle the salad with basil leaves and drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 1/2 cups salad, 1 chicken breast, and 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you pack in more flavor, keep the chicken juicy, and make this salad work for whatever you’re craving.
• Store: Keep leftover chicken caprese salad in a covered container in the fridge for 2–3 days, but just know the lettuce and basil will soften pretty quickly.
• Meal prep: I like to cook the chicken and make the glaze ahead of time, then chop the veggies and store everything separately. Just toss it all together when you’re ready to eat.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Healthy Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)