Description
This Baked Marinated Chicken Salad with Mozzarella and Balsamic Vinaigrette is a vibrant mix of bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Tender oven-baked chicken, creamy mozzarella, ripe avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach are topped with a tangy homemade balsamic vinaigrette for a high-protein, low-carb meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 5 ounces baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Italian herbs, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake marinated chicken for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5–10 minutes, then slice.
3. In a jar or bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Slowly whisk in olive oil until emulsified. Set aside.
4. Prepare the salad ingredients by halving cherry tomatoes, slicing avocado, draining mozzarella, and washing and drying spinach thoroughly.
5. Arrange spinach on a serving platter, then top with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and mozzarella balls.
6. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette just before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or a balsamic glaze if desired.
Notes
Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
For meal prep, store components separately and assemble just before serving.
Use firm-ripe avocado to maintain texture and prevent browning.
This salad is naturally low-carb and high in protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg