Description
Baked Marinated Chicken Salad with Mozzarella and Balsamic Vinaigrette is a vibrant and nutritious dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy mozzarella, fresh avocado, and juicy cherry tomatoes on a bed of baby spinach. Drizzled with a homemade balsamic vinaigrette, this salad combines bold flavors with wholesome ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or elegant meal prep. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a healthy lunch or an impressive dinner, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken by mixing olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Italian herbs, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat the chicken well; marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/75°C). Let rest before slicing.
- For the vinaigrette, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a jar. Shake well while adding olive oil until emulsified.
- Prepare salad ingredients: halve cherry tomatoes and slice avocado. Layer spinach on a platter or bowls; top with sliced chicken, tomatoes, avocado, and mozzarella.
- Drizzle with vinaigrette just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 330mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 105mg