Description

This Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring marinated and grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil tossed with spiral pasta. A balsamic vinaigrette ties all the ingredients together, creating a perfect summer meal that’s great for potlucks or light dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken and Marinade

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Salad

1 pound spiral pasta (or penne or favorite cut), cooked and cooled
12 to 16 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
8 ounces fresh mozzarella (ciliegine balls preferred), cut in halves if desired
1 large handful fresh basil (about ⅔ cup), chopped or chiffonade

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a baking dish or resealable bag, place the chicken breasts. Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried basil, kosher salt, and pepper. Pour about ¼ cup of this dressing over the chicken, reserving the remainder for the salad. Seal the container and marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to the highest setting. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Grill the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then cut into bite-sized chunks.
Prepare the Pasta and Vegetables: While the chicken grills, cook the pasta according to package instructions if not pre-cooked. Drain and cool the pasta. Chop the tomatoes and basil while waiting.
Assemble the Salad: Layer or toss together the cooked pasta, chunks of grilled chicken, halved tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil. If layering, repeat the layers once. Drizzle with the reserved dressing and gently toss to combine.
Serve or Store: Serve the pasta salad immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. If preparing ahead, wait to add fresh basil until just before serving to preserve its vibrant flavor.

Notes

Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
You can cook the pasta a day ahead and keep it refrigerated.
Wait to add fresh basil until serving if preparing the salad in advance to retain freshness.
This salad is perfect for meal prep and potlucks.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 420
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 310mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 70mg