A Caprese salad, meaning “Salad of Capri” is a simple Italian salad made with fresh, sliced mozzarella cheese, sliced tomatoes and basil seasoned with salt and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. It is made to resemble the colors of the  Italian flag and presented on a plate in a stacked manner; mozzarella cheese, tomato, large basil leave sprinkled with salt and the oil drizzled over the entire plate.Usually this salad is served as an antipasta (starter). But today I wanted to add in some additional protein, a boneless, skinless chicken breast that had been marinated in some olive oil and garlic and serve this as a main course.

This dish is very light and packed with the beautiful flavors of Italy. So quick and easy to prepare. Serve it with some grilled crusty bread, a glass of vino and you will feel like you are in the Mediterranean! Enjoy!

Chicken Caprese Salad

Ingredients: Serves 2

• 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, pounded to 1/2 inch thick
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2  cloves garlic, crushed
• salt and pepper to season
• 4 ounces ( 1/2 of 8 ounce container) of mozzarella balls
• 1/2 pint grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• olive oil for drizzling on salad, about 1/8 cup

Preparation:

Place the chicken between plastic wrap and pound to 1/2 inch thickness.Cut the chicken in half. In a shallow bowl mix to incorporate 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, crushed garlic, salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the marinade and cover. Place in the refrigerator for an hour, up to 4 hours turning the chicken over to coat with the mix periodically.

Remove the chicken from the fridge about 15 minutes prior to cooking. Heat a heavy grill pan and place the chicken on the pan. Cook for 4 minutes without moving and then turn over and cook for another 4 minutes. Remove onto a cutting board and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Cut into bite size pieces.

Place the cheese, basil, tomatoes and chicken into a medium bowl. Drizzle with some extra virgin olive oil and carefully fold all of the ingredients. Divide among two plates.