Description
Looking for a light but satisfying meal that’s anything but boring? This Baked Marinated Chicken Salad with Mozzarella and Balsamic Vinaigrette is your go-to for an easy dinner, healthy lunch, or meal prep idea. It combines protein-packed chicken, creamy mozzarella, avocado, and fresh greens with a punchy balsamic glaze. Whether you’re aiming for a quick dinner, a wholesome lunch, or a colorful addition to your food ideas board, this easy recipe brings flavor and freshness to the table. A top pick among dinner ideas and healthy snack solutions, this dish easily joins your weekly quick breakfast-to-dinner rotation.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups fresh spinach
1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
1 avocado sliced
1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
3 tablespoons balsamic glaze or vinaigrette
Instructions
1. Mix olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl to create the marinade.
2. Coat chicken breasts with marinade and let sit for 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
4. Place marinated chicken in a baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked.
5. Remove and let the chicken rest before slicing thinly.
6. In a large bowl or platter, arrange spinach, tomatoes, avocado slices, and mozzarella balls.
7. Top with sliced chicken and drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad just before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, grill the chicken instead of baking.
Add toasted nuts or seeds for crunch and extra nutrients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: easy recipe, dinner ideas, healthy salad, chicken salad, quick meals