Keto Caprese Chicken Salad

The Keto Caprese Chicken Salad is a hearty and satisfying low-carb dish featuring grilled or roasted chicken breast paired with creamy fresh mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes used in moderation, and aromatic fresh basil. The chicken is seasoned with Italian herbs and seared until golden for maximum flavor, then combined with a rich extra-virgin olive oil dressing and finished with a sugar-free balsamic glaze for a tangy bite without added carbs. Light yet filling and packed with keto-friendly fats and protein, this salad offers a refreshing contrast of textures while keeping net carbs strictly controlled, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners, stable-energy lunches, and easy entertaining.

Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Salad

Cuisine Italian, Keto, Low Carb

Keyword caprese salad, chicken salad, gluten free, high protein, keto caprese chicken salad, low carb salad, meal prep

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Servings servings

Calories 430kcal

Equipment

Cutting board
Chef's knife
Large skillet or grill pan
Mixing bowl
Small bowl
Tongs

Ingredients

For the chicken

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts patted dry
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper or to taste

For the salad

8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls ciliegine or bocconcini, drained and halved
1 1/4 cups cherry tomatoes halved
1 cup fresh basil leaves loosely packed, torn or thinly sliced
4 cups mixed salad greens such as spring mix or baby spinach

For the keto dressing and glaze

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar-free balsamic glaze plus more to taste for drizzling
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them on a plate or shallow dish.
Drizzle the chicken with the olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper, rubbing the spices into both sides to coat well.
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium to medium-high heat until hot.
Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the outside is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, adjusting heat as needed to prevent burning.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and let it rest for at least 5 minutes, then slice it into strips or bite-sized pieces.
While the chicken rests, add the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar-free balsamic glaze, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper to a small bowl.
Whisk the dressing ingredients together until the mixture is emulsified and slightly thickened, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Add the mixed salad greens to a large mixing bowl, then add the halved mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and torn or sliced basil leaves.
Pour about half of the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until the greens, mozzarella, and tomatoes are lightly coated.
Add the warm sliced chicken to the bowl and gently toss again, adding more dressing as desired to lightly coat the chicken without making the salad soggy.
Divide the salad among four plates or bowls, top with any remaining basil, and drizzle each serving with a small amount of additional sugar-free balsamic glaze if desired.
Serve the Keto Caprese Chicken Salad immediately at room temperature or slightly chilled, or refrigerate in airtight containers for up to three days, adding extra basil and glaze just before serving.

Notes

To keep this salad strictly keto, be sure to use a sugar-free balsamic glaze or make your own by gently simmering balsamic vinegar with a keto-friendly sweetener until reduced and slightly syrupy. If you prefer fewer carbs, reduce the amount of cherry tomatoes and increase the mixed greens and mozzarella. For easy meal prep, store the dressed salad base and sliced chicken separately from the basil and glaze, then combine just before serving for the best texture and freshness.

Nutrition