Ingredients

Scale

(Serves 4)

Grilled chicken:

1½ lbs boneless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt & black pepper

Caprese salad base:

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or 2 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced)
8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls or sliced balls (use part-skim for lower fat—you love balance!)
½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Optional: ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (soak in water 10 min to mellow)

Balsamic glaze:

¼ cup balsamic vinegar
1–2 tsp honey (or sugar-free maple syrup for blood sugar friendly)
Optional: 1 tsp Dijon mustard for depth

Garnish:

Extra basil
Flaky sea salt
Freshly cracked black pepper
Optional: Toasted pine nuts or hemp seeds (you love high-protein!)

Instructions

1. Grill chicken:

Toss chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Grill over medium-high heat 6–7 minutes per side until 165°F. Rest 5 minutes; slice thinly.

2. Make balsamic glaze:

In a small saucepan, simmer balsamic vinegar and honey 5–7 minutes until reduced by half and syrupy. Stir in Dijon (if using). Cool slightly.

3. Assemble salad:

In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and optional red onion.
Top with sliced grilled chicken.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze and extra olive oil. Season with flaky salt and pepper.

💡 Pro Tips for Perfection:
✅ Use fresh mozzarella pearls—they’re easier than slicing logs and distribute evenly.
✅ Low-sodium mastery (you love this!):
→ Use no-salt-added mozzarella + skip added salt
→ Boost umami with extra black pepper and fresh herbs
✅ Blood sugar friendly (you love this!):
→ Replace honey with sugar-free maple syrup in glaze
→ Add 1 tbsp chia seeds to salad for fiber + glycemic control
→ Net carbs: 8g/serving
✅ Low-carb/keto option (you love this!):
→ Already compliant! <10g net carbs/serving
→ Increase healthy fats: extra olive oil + avocado slices
✅ High-protein boost (you love this!):
→ Add 2 tbsp hemp seeds (+5g protein)
→ Serve with hard-boiled egg slices (+6g protein)
✅ Make ahead:
→ Grill chicken 2 days ahead
→ Make glaze 1 week ahead (stores beautifully!)
→ Assemble just before serving for best texture

Storage & Serving Ideas

→ Fridge life: Best served fresh (mozzarella softens slightly over time).
→ Serving ideas:
→ With crusty bread or GF toast for dipping
→ As a standalone light dinner
→ Alongside grilled zucchini or asparagus

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving):