Basil Red Onion Chicken Caprese Salad

Chef Darin Leonardson

Basil–Red Onion Chicken Caprese Salad

Caprese, but built into a full plate. Warm sliced chicken breast goes over greens, tomato, and fresh mozzarella, and a red onion vinaigrette pulls the whole thing together.

The vinaigrette is where this earns its keep. Red Onion Vinegar brings a mellow, almost sweet allium note that a raw sliced onion never manages without overwhelming everything around it, and a quarter teaspoon each of Dijon and honey does the emulsifying and the balancing at the same time. Basil Extra Virgin Olive Oil appears twice — once to cook the chicken, once in the dressing — so the herb runs through the plate from top to bottom.

Let the chicken rest the full five minutes before slicing. Cut it early and the juice ends up on the cutting board instead of dressing the greens.

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Details

Entrée

1 serving

1 plated salad

Ingredients

  • • 4 oz boneless skinless chicken breast
  • • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
  • • 2 teaspoons Basil Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided
  • • 2 cups mixed salad greens
  • • 3 slices ripe tomato
  • • 2 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • • 2 leaves fresh basil, torn
  • • 1 tablespoon Red Onion Vinegar
  • • ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • • ½ teaspoon honey

Instructions

1. Season chicken breast with salt and pepper. Heat 1 teaspoon Basil Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a small skillet over medium heat.

2. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes, then slice.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together remaining 1 teaspoon Basil Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Red Onion Vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey until smooth to make a vinaigrette.

4. Place mixed salad greens on a plate. Arrange tomato slices and mozzarella over the greens.

5. Top with warm sliced chicken and torn basil leaves.

6. Drizzle salad with the basil–red onion vinaigrette and serve immediately.

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