Many people like Mediterranean dishes like myself. Not only that, chicken is also my favorite, and the recipe we are going to discuss today is a chicken dish with a Mediterranean flavor. The recipe is called Chicken Caprese Salad which is a salad in name but is actually a whole meal. But this recipe of mine is a little different from the traditional caprese salad but believe me the taste is not compromised at all.
This chicken salad is Weight Watchers friendly and can provide you with 2-3 WW points per serving. This light and delicious salad is made with lean protein, fresh vegetables, creamy mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, and a balsamic glaze that creates a wonderful flavor combination with the tender grilled chicken breast.
Healthy Guide: How Chicken Caprese Salad Fits into a Healthy Eating Plan
- Lean Protein from Chicken: In this recipe, you will get high-quality lean protein from chicken which is essential for muscle repair, energy, and overall health. It is already low in fat, so to maintain it, cooking should be done either by grilling or baking because if you fry the chicken instead, it will add unnecessary fat and calories.
- Healthy Fats from Mozzarella: An excellent source of healthy fats and calcium is the mozzarella used in this recipe. However, if you prefer, you can use part-skin or low-fat mozzarella cheese, which can significantly reduce the amount of points.
- Nutrient-Rich Vegetables: Several vegetables are used in this salad which also gives you a good amount of nutrients, like cherry tomatoes which are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C and lycopene. Besides, you will get essential minerals like calcium and iron as well as vitamins A, K, and C from basil.
Related:
Honey Mustard Baked Chicken Recipe
WW Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Chicken Caprese Salad Recipe (Only 2-3 WW Points!) – A Flavorful, Low-Point Weight Watchers Meal
This is a great recipe for those following the Weight Watchers diet. This delicious Chicken Caprese Salad can earn you 2-3 WW points. Made with lean grilled chicken, juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and low-fat mozzarella, this recipe is very healthy and perfect for lunch and dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 4 oz, grilled or baked)
- 1/4 cup fresh mozzarella cheese (use low-fat or part-skim to reduce points)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (or balsamic glaze, opt for low-sugar if possible)
- 1/2 tsp olive oil (optional, can reduce or omit for lower points)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional:
- Mixed greens for serving as a larger salad
- 1 tsp minced garlic for marinating the chicken
Instructions
- Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or bake for about 6-8 minutes per side or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Set aside to cool slightly, then slice into strips.
- In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves.
- Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the salad mixture.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze. Add a small drizzle of olive oil if desired.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later use. If making ahead, store the dressing separately and add just before serving.
Notes
Making a perfect chicken caprese salad is all about balancing freshness and flavor with smart cooking techniques. Here are some tips and tricks to make sure your salad is tasty and low on WW points:
- Marinate chicken breast for at least 30 minutes before grilling or baking to make it extra juicy and flavorful.
- If you like a smoky flavor, definitely use grilled chicken. If you don't have an outdoor grill, get a pan grill or use a countertop electric grill.
- Always try to use very fresh vegetables while making this salad as it will give you perfect texture as well as flavor.
- Baby spinach is a great option if you want to add more greens to your salad.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 288Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 102mgSodium: 347mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 3gSugar: 5gProtein: 34g
Related: Tuscan Chicken & Broccoli Pasta
Variations of Chicken Caprese Salad
The best part about this Chicken Caprese Salad is that it’s a very versatile recipe. You can do it all if you want to reduce the carb family or make it dairy-free or completely vegetarian.
- If you want to add more low-carb to this salad, ditch the balsamic glaze and add balsamic vinegar instead. Lemon juice is a great alternative. You can also add avocado slices which will add a bit of creamy texture and healthy fats without any extra points or carbs.
- If you want to avoid dairy completely, use a dairy-free alternative instead of the mozzarella used in the recipe. In that case, cashew-based or almond-based cheese should be used. Also, you can add roasted peppers or cucumber to it which will add more crunch to this recipe. So hopefully you also realize that this recipe can also be made completely vegan if desired.
Related: Grilled Chicken & Veggie Bowl Recipe
Serving Suggestions
- You can serve this salad as a light lunch or dinner.
- To make this salad a little heavier, you can serve it with a slice of whole grain or sourdough bread.
- Chicken Caprese Salad is ideal for meal prepping. You can grill or bake the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge along with the mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. Keep the balsamic glaze or vinegar separate and add it just before serving to maintain the fresh flavor and prevent the salad from getting soggy.
Related: Shredded Chicken Recipes
FAQ
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, of course you can. But you have to keep the ingredients used in the salad separately. For example, you can refrigerate grilled or baked chicken in a separate container for about 3 days in advance. Likewise, tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella should be kept in separate containers. Assemble and serve on the day or time you want to serve.
2. Can I use another type of cheese?
Although the traditional caprese salad uses fresh mozzarella cheese, you can use any other cheese instead. Feta cheese is a great alternative. Moreover, while using the rest of the cheeses, pay attention to a little point so that the amount of it does not become too much in the salad.
3. Is balsamic vinegar necessary?
The signature ingredient of Caprese salad is the balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze, which adds a rich, sweet flavor. However, you can use a low-calorie vinaigrette instead, or simply juice, which is a great alternative. But keep one thing in mind do not use any high-calorie dressing.
If you like this article about Weight Watchers Chicken Caprese Salad Recipe, please share it with your friends on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Also, you can subscribe to my blog to get all the latest articles on your mobile first.
SHARING IS CARING!
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST
Did you like this recipe and make it later at home? SAVE this pin to your favorite board on Pinterest!