Baked Marinated Chicken Salad with Mozzarella and Balsamic Vinaigrette: Your New Go-To Recipe!

Are you ready to spice up your dinner routine with a dish that’s not just delicious but also packed with fresh flavors? Introducing the Baked Marinated Chicken Salad with Mozzarella and Balsamic Vinaigrette! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you’re juggling family activities, work, and a dozen other things on your to-do list. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your back pocket.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Marinated Chicken Salad

Picture this: tender, marinated chicken baked to perfection, nestled on a bed of crunchy greens, drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, and topped off with creamy mozzarella. It’s like a party for your taste buds without the fuss of a full-blown dinner! Whether you’re trying to impress a date, cater to picky eaters, or just want something light yet filling, this salad checks all the boxes.

Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this invigorating salad:

For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (think arugula, spinach, or your favorite blend)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved or torn into pieces
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
For the Balsamic Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste

Steps to Deliciousness

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and coat it well. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—this is where the magic happens!
Bake the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and registers 165°F using a meat thermometer. Once done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
Prepare the Salad: In a large salad bowl, toss together the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and cucumber.
Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Shake or whisk until well combined.
Assemble the Salad: Top the greens with the sliced chicken and drizzle with the balsamic vinaigrette. Give it a gentle toss, then garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Dig In: Serve immediately and enjoy this feast that brings vibrant flavors right to your table!

Cooking Tips

Time-Saving Hack: You can marinate the chicken overnight for even more flavor—just remember to keep it in the fridge!
Leftover Love: If you have any chicken left, slice it up and toss it in a wrap with some fresh greens for a quick lunch the next day.
Dressing Dilemma: Don’t worry if your vinaigrette looks a bit lumpy—it just means the ingredients are mingling together in a delicious way!

Personal Touch

This baked marinated chicken salad became my family’s go-to dish when my kids discovered the joy of tossing their greens with a bit of dressing—no more “I don’t like salad!” drama at the dinner table! Trust me, once they get a taste of those fresh flavors, resistance is futile.

FAQs

Can I substitute chicken for something else?
Absolutely! You can easily swap in grilled shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.

How can I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (not that I anticipate that!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.

What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
Don’t worry, you can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute—the salad will still be delicious!

Wrap-Up

There you have it, folks! The Baked Marinated Chicken Salad with Mozzarella and Balsamic Vinaigrette is not only easy to prepare, but it also brings a burst of satisfying flavor to your table. This dish will soon become a staple in your recipe arsenal, perfect for impressing friends or just giving yourself a guilt-free treat after an exhausting day.

Ready to give this dish a try? Gather your ingredients and let’s create some culinary magic together! Happy cooking, and don’t forget—every meal is an opportunity for joy and connection.

For more delightful recipes, check out my posts on weeknight dinners and homemade salad dressings for even more delicious inspirations!

Meta Description: Baked Marinated Chicken Salad with Mozzarella and Balsamic Vinaigrette is the perfect recipe for busy nights. Quick, easy, and delicious—try it today!