I’m in love with the vibrant flavors of this Chopped Caprese Salad that really just captures summer. This version has crispy, homemade and gluten free chicken cutlets for extra protein and texture. Built on fresh spinach leaves and juicy tomatoes, this salad is so refreshing. I finish it with a glossy swirl of balsamic glaze for an added dose of pretty.
The best chicken cutlets get made in the air fryer without a drop of oil. I’m obsessed with these crispy, golden chicken pieces that are ready in minutes. You can also go the traditional route and cook them in a pan or the oven. This homemade Caprese Spinach Salad is easy to customize, too. You can also add in some cucumber, avocado or even grilled peaches into this chopped Caprese salad.
If you loved Chopped Caprese Salad, try my Burrata Caprese, this Peach Caprese Salad and my 15 minute Pesto Caprese Salad. Here’s a round up of some of the Gluten Free Lunch Recipes I’m loving right now.
Why you’ll love this gluten free recipe
- This light and delicious summer Chopped Caprese Salad is everything I love about a classic Caprese, you guys, but with a satisfying, crispy chicken element.
- It’s easy and quick to make, loaded with vibrant, fresh ingredients and perfect as a summery side dish, a light meal, or an appetizer.
- Serve it at a potluck, BBQ or summer party.
- You can also meal prep it with grilled steak, shrimp or those crispy air fryer chicken cutlets for an on-the-go lunch (yes, please!).
- You can even serve the tomato mozzarella salad on top of toasted crostini or a baguette for a bruschetta Caprese vibe.
- Try threading it onto skewers for an easy, portable appetizer. Add some gluten free pasta and you’ve got yourself a Caprese pasta salad.
- Any which way I serve this, it turns out incredible and is a total celebration of fresh, homemade and feel-good food. Enjoy!
Ingredients and substitutions
Gluten free breadcrumbs: Add a crispy texture and are ideal for gluten-sensitive diets.
Egg: These work as a binder when coating ingredients with breadcrumbs. They help everything stick and crisp up.
Mozzarella cubes: Use fresh mozzarella or go with mini mozzarella balls in your Chopped Caprese Salad.
Cherry tomatoes, diced: Juicy and sweet with a burst of acidity that balances the richness of the cheese. Whether you use cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes or even heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes, go for ripe, in-season tomatoes.
Spinach: A hearty alternative to basil that holds up well under dressing.
Balsamic glaze: A sweet, tangy reduction that I’m totally addicted to. You can also use a homemade balsamic reduction.
Lemon olive oil: Adds a fresh citrus flavor that brightens up the other rich Caprese Spinach Salad ingredients.
Directions (step by step)
Bread the chicken cutlets: Dip each chicken breast into the beaten egg, then coat it evenly with gluten free breadcrumbs.
Cook in the air fryer: Place the breaded chicken in the air fryer. Cook at 390°F for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and fully cooked through.
Assemble the Caprese Spinach Salad: Place the cooked chicken cutlet on a plate. Top this with chopped spinach, diced cherry tomatoes and mozzarella cubes.
Finish with a dressing: Drizzle the chopped Caprese salad with lemon olive oil and balsamic glaze. Season it with salt and pepper. Your Chopped Caprese Salad is ready to go!
Expert tips and tricks
Pound the chicken evenly: I like to prepare chunky chicken breasts by beating the wider part out a little with a rolling pin or meat mallet.
Preheat your air fryer: Get it ready and heated for the best, crispiest results.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Cook the chicken cutlets in a single layer and make sure there is space between each piece of chicken.
Use fresh ingredients: I find that the salad ingredients – their textures and flavors shine through, so they need to be as fresh as possible.
Let the chicken rest: After air frying, let the chicken sit and rest for 2 to 3 minutes before topping.
Customize to taste: Add fresh basil, swap spinach for arugula, or toss in avocado slices for extra creaminess.
Put it on your meal prep list: Cook the chicken in advance and store it in a separate container. Assemble the Chopped Caprese Salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
Storage and meal prepping
I recommend making this Chopped Caprese Salad fresh if you can.
You can pre-cook the breaded chicken and store it in the fridge until you’re ready. The chicken won’t be quite as golden and crunchy as if you cook it from scratch, but it’ll still be delicious.
You can also get the other components prepped and ready. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Variations
Swap out the spinach: Use arugula or mixed greens instead. These greens are more delicate than spinach and won’t hold the dressing for quite as long as spinach.
Flavor the breading: Add garlic seasoning, dried herbs like oregano or parsley, or some thyme.
Use grilled chicken: Skip the breading and air frying and use grilled chicken, which is just a little lighter. You could also try crispy tofu, grilled shrimp or turkey cutlets instead of chicken.
Add avocado: Toss in some ripe avocado slices or chunks.
Try burrata: Upgrade the mozzarella with creamy burrata.
Go full out Mediterranean: Add in green or black olives, cucumber and red onion slices.
Add grains: Cooked quinoa, couscous or brown rice all work well.
Make it a wrap: Stuff the chopped Caprese salad and chicken into a wrap or pita.
Use roasted cherry tomatoes: If you don’t love fresh tomatoes, roast them in a little olive oil and seasoning and add them in once they’re cool.
FAQs
How do I reheat the chicken cutlet?
To keep it crispy, reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 350F for 5 to 7 minutes or in the oven at 375 F for about 10 minutes. I prefer not to use the microwave, which can make the breadcrumb coating soggy.
Is this salad gluten free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten free breadcrumbs, this recipe is entirely gluten free.
Can I use another type of cheese?
Absolutely. Try this Chopped Caprese Salad with feta, burrata or even shaved parmesan.
Looking for more gluten free recipes?
Chopped Caprese Salad (Gluten Free)
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup gluten free breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
Salad
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cubes
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes diced
- 3 cups spinach chopped
Dressing
- 4 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 4 tbsp lemon olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken cutlets by dipping each chicken breast in egg then covering it with breadcrumbs.
- Add these to the air fryer for approximately 15 minutes on 390F or until the chicken is fully cooked all the way through.
- Plate the chicken cutlet and then top it with spinach, tomatoes and cheese.
- Drizzle it with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Season the Caprese Salad with salt and pepper.
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