Add to Pinterest The first time I made this was on a humid Tuesday evening when my CSA box had delivered more tomatoes than I knew what to do with. My kitchen was warm, the windows were open, and I just started grilling chicken while chopping everything in sight. Sometimes the best recipes come from that quiet desperation of not wanting perfectly good produce to go to waste.
Last summer, I served this at a rooftop dinner with friends who claimed they didnt like salad. Something about the warm grilled chicken against those cold juicy tomatoes won them over immediately. Theres a restaurant in my neighborhood that charges twenty dollars for this exact combination, and now I just make it at home while wearing sweatpants.
What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Pound them slightly to even thickness so they cook evenly without drying out
- Ripe tomatoes: Vine-ripened or Roma tomatoes hold their shape better than watery slicing varieties
- Fresh basil: Tear the leaves by hand instead of chopping for a more gentle release of oils
- Balsamic vinegar: The aged stuff makes a difference here since the flavor shines through
- Mixed greens: Arugula adds a nice peppery kick but spring mix works perfectly fine
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Instructions
- Get your grill going:
- Heat your grill pan to medium high and let it get properly hot before adding any chicken
- Season the chicken:
- Rub the breasts with olive oil and all those dried herbs, letting them sit for just a few minutes
- Grill it up:
- Cook for about seven minutes per side until beautifully marked and cooked through
- Rest the meat:
- Let the chicken rest for five minutes before slicing into those lovely strips
- Make the magic topping:
- Toss diced tomatoes, onion, basil, olive oil, balsamic, garlic, salt and pepper together
- Let flavors marry:
- Let that mixture sit for ten minutes while you slice the chicken
- Assemble your masterpiece:
- Spread greens on plates, arrange chicken on top, and spoon all that bruschetta goodness over everything
- Finish it right:
- Add shaved Parmesan if you want and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing
Add to Pinterest My neighbor smelled this cooking through an open window and showed up with a bottle of wine. Now its our standing Tuesday night dinner trade.
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
Making It Ahead
The bruschetta topping actually tastes better after sitting for an hour or two in the fridge. I often prep it in the morning and let it marinate all day, though the basil will darken slightly. Grill the chicken just before serving for that perfect temperature contrast.
What To Serve With It
A crisp white wine cuts through the richness beautifully. My friend swears by roasted potatoes on the side, but I think a hunk of crusty gluten-free bread is all you really need.
Getting The Balance Right
The acid from the tomatoes and balsamic is what makes this sing against the savory chicken. Taste your bruschetta mixture before adding it to the salad and adjust with more vinegar or salt as needed.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat
- Try mozzarella pearls instead of Parmesan for a creamier bite
- Grill some lemon halves alongside the chicken for serving
Add to Pinterest This is the kind of dinner that makes you feel like you really have your life together, even if youre eating it standing up.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully and often stay juicier during grilling. Adjust cooking time to 8-10 minutes per side depending on thickness.
- → How long can the bruschetta topping sit before serving?
The tomato mixture tastes best after sitting for 10-30 minutes at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 4 hours but bring to room temperature before serving.
- → What other greens work well in this salad?
Romaine offers great crunch, arugula adds peppery bite, while spring mix provides variety. Spinach or mixed baby greens also work beautifully.
- → Can I make this without a grill?
A grill pan works perfectly, or cook the chicken in a regular skillet over medium-high heat. You can also bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
- → Is this salad good for meal prep?
Store components separately—grilled chicken, bruschetta topping, and washed greens. Assembly takes just minutes and prevents sogginess. Keeps well for 2-3 days.
- → What wine pairs best with this dish?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the fresh tomatoes and basil beautifully. Light red wines like Pinot Noir also work well.
