Balsamic Chicken Salad Recipe
If you are bored of the usual chicken salad, try our balsamic Italian version with rucola, grilled chicken, roasted hazelnuts, plums and a rich balsamic dressing.
This is a great one to put together for your work lunch; just carry your balsamic dressing on the side. It’s also perfect for barbecues, light weekend lunches, and healthy Summer dinners.
Let me answer any questions you might have first. And then, we are going to get right into making this beauty.
What’s the difference between balsamic vinegar and balsamic vinaigrette?
Balsamic vinegar is just balsamic vinegar. Hopefully, you are only using the best version – Balsamic Vinegar of Modena.
In case you are wondering, or need a reminder, Balsamic Vinegar of Modena is a slightly sweet, dark, concentrated vinegar originated from Italy, made from grape must (crushed grape juice).
On the other hand, balsamic vinaigrette is a dressing made by combining balsamic vinegar with oil, and sometimes other ingredients like sugar, herbs, and spices.
What kind of balsamic for salads?
It depends what you like and what you are after. Do you want a lightly flavored balsamic vinegar of Modena? If so, use a white balsamic like Prelibato – White Balsamic Condiment.
If you love a richer darker option, use the balsamic we are using in this recipe – Belmorso IGP Balsamic Vinegar of Modena.
If you want a very sweet and thick balsamic dressing for your salad, then you need a longer aged balsamic like 12 Yrs Old Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena.
How many calories are in a balsamic chicken salad?
The calorie content in a balsamic chicken salad can vary widely depending on the recipe and portion size. On average, a substantial serving could contain around 300-500 calories. Our Italian Balsamic Chicken Salad Recipe has 500 calories.
Which is healthier, balsamic vinegar or vinaigrette?
Which is healthier – boiled potatoes or crisps? Of course, it’s boiled potatoes, because it has nothing added to it.
The same applies to balsamic vinegar and vinaigrette. Balsamic vinegar is not only the lowest in calories, but also the healthiest, because it’s just made out of grapes. On the other hand, a vinaigrette you buy at the supermarket might contain sugar, and many other ingredients that are not so good for you. In a few words, it’s a processed food.
Is balsamic vinegar good for you?
Balsamic vinegar is not necessarily good for you, but it won’t harm you, unless you have high blood sugar issues, and have to avoid fruit, or are allergic to grapes.
Unlike EVOO, although it contains good minerals and might also help with digestion, balsamic vinegar is not a product you drink as a supplement.
What pairs with balsamic vinegar?
Balsamic vinegar pairs well with a variety of foods including salads, fruits like strawberries and peaches, grilled vegetables, chicken, steak, and even certain types of cheese like Parmesan. Pecorino and mozzarella.
Do you put balsamic vinegar on before or after cooking?
It depends on what you are making. If you are making a raw dish, like a salad, you can drizzle the balsamic vinegar of Modena at the end.
Equally, balsamic vinegar is delicious to add richness and depth to sauces, like a simple tomato pasta. See this recipe as an example – Vegan pasta – not your usual tomato pasta.
Most importantly, balsamic vinegar of Modena does a spectacular job at caramelizing fruit and vegetables, like the onions in this recipe or the strawberries in this other one – Ricotta & Strawberry Tiramisu.
Does balsamic vinegar need to be refrigerated?
Balsamic vinegar does not need to be refrigerated. It should be stored in a cool, dark place like a pantry.
Is chicken salad high in calories?
The calorie content in chicken salad can vary greatly based on ingredients and portion size. While chicken itself is a lean protein, the addition of ingredients like mayo, nuts, or dried fruit can increase the calorie count.
A traditional chicken salad serving could contain anywhere from 200-500 calories. Using a healthier lower calorie dressing like Balsamic Vinegar of Modena and Italian Extra Virgin Olive Oil, can reduce the calories.
Italian Balsamic Chicken Salad Recipe With Plums
Now that you know all you need to about your balsamic chicken salad recipe, we are finally ready to make our tasty and simple Italian version. Enjoy!
Balsamic Chicken Salad Recipe
AlessiaEquipment
- 1 chopping board
- 1 chopping knife
- 1 grilling pan
- 1 bowl
- 1 tablespoon
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Belmorso IGP Balsamic Vinegar of Modena
- 100 gr rucola
- 1 handful roasted hazelnuts
- 1 medium chicken breast mine was 300 gr
- 200 gr cottage cheese
- 2 tbsp Belmorso Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 lt
- salt, pepper, oregano enough to season
- 2 red plums
Instructions
- Start by grilling your chicken. While it cooks you can do the rest of the prep.
- Continue by slicing the plums into thin wedges, or however you like them.
- Chop the nuts.
- Clean the rucola, unless you are using a pre-washed one.
- Make your dressing: 2 tablespoons EVOO and 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar of Modena. Add some oregano and mix well.
- Once your chicken is ready, transfer onto a board, and slice.
- You can now assemble your balsamic chicken salad: Start with the rucola.
- Add the sliced chicken on top of the rucola. Season with salt and pepper.
- Then, add the sliced plums.
- Next, sprinkle the chopped hazelnuts.
- Now, drizzle the balsamic dressing you made.
- Finally, add dollops of cottage cheese.
- Your balsamic chicken salad recipe is bursting with flavour, ready for you to dig in. Buon appetito.
Hosting A Lunch or Brunch: Pair This Salad With These Other Recipes
I made these balsamic onion jam crostini with prosciutto crudo on the same day, and I must say they pair perfectly with that salad we just made.
You can add this to your next friends lunch, and finish it all off with a great Tiramisu. Try our Yogurt Tiramisu or Strawberry and Ricotta here.
Try These Other Italian Salads
Starting from left to right:
- Panzanella Pasta Salad With Gnocchi
- Potato Salad from Puglia
- Salad with Chicken & Balsamic Kale
- Cucumber Salad or Cialledda from Puglia
- Italian Tuna Rice Salad
- Salad dressing & an easy salad recipe