Avocado Caprese Chicken Salad

Avocado Caprese Chicken Salad Recipe

June 9, 2023

I love this Avocado Caprese Chicken Salad so much. Recently we had a friend from church have a surgery and I signed up for the meal train. When they mentioned they try to focus on healthy meals, I knew this would be an easy recipe to put together and wrapped the ingredients individually so they could toss together and enjoy!

(By the way, I did get a thank you note saying it was really yummy!)

There are several ways you can prep this chicken. I used my Instant Pot® for Pesto Chicken in just 15 minutes. This is the recipe I followed, then I used my favorite Quick Shred tool from Pampered Chef (not an ad, I just really love it). I also shredded the lettuce using their Salad Choppers.

Originally I posted this bariatric friendly recipe back in 2013 and I used a balsamic reduction to drizzle over the top. This is still highly recommended but if you end up tight on time (as I often do with young kids…I didn’t have those back in 2013) then a light balsamic vinaigrette is just fine!

Avocado Caprese Chicken Salad Recipe

Recipe by: Steph Wagner (Bariatric Food Coach)
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 mins; Cook Time: 20 mins; Total Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

  • 1 head romaine lettuce washed and torn
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 avocado diced
  • 6 oz fresh mozzarella pearls or cut into cubes
  • 1 lb chicken breast boneless, skinless
  • 3 tbsp pesto Costco's Kirklands brand is my favorite
  • 4 tbsp light balsamic vinaigrette

Directions

  1. First choose how to prepare the chicken. If using a Pressure Cooker, add one can of chicken broth, chicken and pesto to the pot. Put on high pressure for 4 minutes and let release naturally for 10 minutes. Can also use a slow cooker, grill, oven or air fryer. Coat chicken with pesto and use the cooking method you've chosen.
  2. Once chicken is cooked, let cool until able to handle and shred.
  3. Assemble the salad by dividing lettuce, mozzarella, avocado, tomatoes onto plates. Add a scoop of chicken and drizzle with vinaigrette or serve on the side.

Notes

Nutrition facts are best calculated by measuring the food you plate, then subtract anything leftover on your plate and putting into your food journal. Salads vary greatly in terms of portion size for post-ops. 

Nutritional Info

Calories 258; Carbohydrates 8 grams; Fat 14 grams; Protein 20 grams

Check out more from Steph of Bariatric Food Coach on ObesityHelp!

Avocado Caprese Chicken Salad
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Steph Wagner MS, RDN has worked as a dietitian and food coach to bariatric patients since 2009. She is the co-founder Bariatricfoodcoach.com with her husband Kevin, a web developer. Together they've built an extensive, user-friendly website and community for post-op patients. Steph also has a published cookbook “Best Fork Forward: Everyday Dinners After Weight-Loss Surgery.” Read more articles by Steph!
Recipe Disclaimer: If you have specific dietary restrictions, allergies or a nutrition plan that you are following, make sure to read the ingredient list prior to consumption. All information on ObesityHelp.com is intended for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to be a replacement or substitute for consultation with a qualified medical professional. Please contact a medical professional with any questions and concerns.