Save to Pinterest Last summer my neighbor brought over an overflowing basket of garden tomatoes and insisted I take them home. Those tomatoes sat on my counter staring at me until I threw together this salad for a last minute dinner with friends. Everyone kept asking what I did to make the chicken taste so vibrant, but honestly the bruschetta topping does all the heavy lifting here.
My sister texted me at noon saying she was bringing her family over for dinner that same evening. I stared at my fridge then remembered those tomatoes and two chicken breasts I had thawed. The whole meal came together in thirty five minutes and her kids who swear they hate salad went back for seconds.
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Ingredients
- Boneless chicken breasts: Pound them slightly to an even thickness so they grill evenly and stay juicy
- Ripe tomatoes: Garden tomatoes with thin skins work best but any ripe variety will give you that sweet juiciness
- Fresh basil: Dont skip this or try dried basil the fresh aromatic oils make the whole dish sing
- Balsamic vinegar: A aged balsamic adds a sweet depth but regular works perfectly fine too
- Mixed greens: Arugula adds a nice peppery bite but spring mix or romaine keep it mild and family friendly
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Instructions
- Get the grill going:
- Heat your grill to medium high and oil the grates lightly so the chicken does not stick
- Season the chicken:
- Rub the breasts with olive oil then sprinkle generously with Italian herbs garlic powder salt and pepper on both sides
- Grill it perfectly:
- Cook for six to seven minutes per side until juices run clear then let rest five minutes before slicing into strips
- Make the magic topping:
- Toss diced tomatoes red onion basil olive oil balsamic garlic salt and pepper in a bowl and let it sit while the chicken cooks
- Build the salad:
- Spread greens on a platter top with sliced chicken and spoon that beautiful bruschetta mixture all over everything
- Finish it off:
- Add shaved Parmesan if you want and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top
Save to Pinterest Now this salad shows up at every summer gathering we host. My friend actually requested it for her birthday dinner instead of cake which says something about how good it is.
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Making Ahead
You can prep the bruschetta topping up to four hours ahead and keep it at room temperature. The chicken grills best fresh but you can cook it earlier and serve it chilled over the greens for a cool summer version.
Easy Swaps
Mozzarella pearls or crumbled feta work beautifully if you are not into Parmesan. For a heartier version serve over cooked pasta instead of greens. No grill pan searing works just as well.
Perfect Pairings
A crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich olive oil and complements the sweet tomatoes. For a complete meal add some crusty bread to soak up those extra juices from the bruschetta mixture.
- Grill some zucchini alongside the chicken for an easy vegetable side
- Keep extra lemon wedges handy for people who love extra acidity
- The bruschetta topping works on almost anything even just spooned over toasted bread
Save to Pinterest This is the kind of meal that makes you feel like you are eating at an Italian trattorio even when you are just standing at your kitchen counter. Hope it becomes a summer staple for you too.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I prepare the bruschetta topping ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the topping up to 4 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This actually allows the flavors to develop further. Add the fresh basil just before serving to preserve its color and aroma.
- → How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Grill each side for 6–7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can also check by slicing into the thickest part—the juices should run clear with no pink remaining. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain moisture.
- → What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
Mozzarella pearls or crumbled feta work beautifully as alternatives. Fresh goat cheese also pairs wonderfully with the tomato-basil flavors. Choose based on your taste preference and dietary needs.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
Keep components separate for best results. Store grilled chicken, bruschetta topping, and greens in separate containers. Assemble just before eating to maintain the greens' crispness and prevent sogginess.
- → What wines pair well with this dish?
Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the fresh tomato-basil flavors beautifully. The acidity cuts through the richness of the olive oil and grilled chicken perfectly.
- → Can I make this without a grill?
Absolutely. Use a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat for similar results. You can also bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until cooked through, though grilling adds superior flavor.
