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Baked Marinated Chicken Salad with Mozzarella and Balsamic Vinaigrette

A fresh and flavorful salad featuring tender marinated chicken, crunchy greens, creamy mozzarella, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette; perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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
  • 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

Method
 

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

Notes

Time-Saving Hack: Marinate the chicken overnight for more flavor. Leftover chicken can be sliced and used in wraps. If your vinaigrette looks lumpy, it just means the ingredients are mingling together.