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Baked Marinated Chicken Salad with Mozzarella and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Baked Marinated Chicken Salad with Mozzarella Bliss

Enjoy this Baked Marinated Chicken Salad with Mozzarella and Balsamic Vinaigrette for a high-protein, low-carb meal that's both healthy and versatile.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pcs Chicken Breasts boneless and skinless
  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil or avocado oil
  • 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar high-quality recommended
  • 2 cloves Garlic fresh minced
  • 1 tbsp Dried Italian Herbs or fresh herbs like basil
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika regular paprika can be swapped
  • to taste Salt and Pepper
For the Salad
  • 4 cups Baby Spinach or alternatives like arugula
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved, or substitute grape tomatoes
  • 1 pcs Avocado firm-ripe
  • 8 oz Fresh Mozzarella Balls or crumbled feta
For the Vinaigrette
  • 1 tbsp Honey omit for low-carb version
  • 1 tsp Dijon Mustard or yellow mustard
  • 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking dish
  • Jar with lid
  • Cutting board

Method
 

Marinade & Bake Chicken
  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of olive oil, ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp of dried Italian herbs, 1 tsp of smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken in a baking dish, covering with remaining marinade. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Prepare Vinaigrette & Salad
  1. Combine 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a jar. Shake well, adding ⅓ cup of extra virgin olive oil while shaking for emulsification.
  2. Wash and dry 4 cups of baby spinach, halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, slice 1 ripe avocado, and drain 8 oz of mozzarella balls. Arrange ingredients on a cutting board for assembly.
Assemble & Serve
  1. In a large bowl, start with the baby spinach and top with sliced baked chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, avocado, and mozzarella balls. Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently, avoiding mushing the avocado. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, allow chicken to rest post-baking, store salad ingredients separately, and prevent avocado browning with lemon juice if making ahead.

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