Zesty Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

Summer’s heat calls for a refreshing caprese chicken pasta salad that combines classic Italian flavors with tender grilled protein.

Succulent chicken breasts mingle perfectly with vibrant cherry tomatoes and creamy mozzarella pearls.

Fragrant basil leaves dance across each forkful, creating a melody of fresh ingredients.

Balsamic glaze adds a tangy sweetness that ties everything together in one spectacular dish.

The pasta provides a hearty base that absorbs all the delicious Mediterranean-inspired notes.

This simple yet elegant meal comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.

One bite promises to transport you straight to a sunlit Italian countryside terrace.

Savor every delightful moment of this irresistible summer classic.

Caprese Chicken Pasta Steps

Step 1: Whisk Vibrant Dressing

In a glass jar, blend balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried basil, honey, salt, and black pepper.

Whisk energetically until the mixture becomes smooth and well-incorporated.

Taste and fine-tune seasoning as needed.

Step 2: Marinate and Grill Chicken

• Chicken breasts
• Portion of prepared dressing

Coat chicken thoroughly with 1/3 of the dressing.

Let it absorb flavors for 10 minutes or refrigerate overnight for deeper taste.

Heat grill, grill pan, or skillet to medium-high.

Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, flipping midway through, approximately 8-10 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare Pasta and Assemble Salad

Boil salted water and cook pasta until perfectly al dente following package instructions.

Drain pasta completely.

• Cooked pasta
• Grilled chicken
• Fresh mozzarella
• Cherry tomatoes
• Diced avocado

Pour remaining dressing over ingredients and toss gently to distribute flavors evenly.

Serve immediately or chill.

The salad’s taste intensifies as it rests.

Caprese Pasta Cooking Tips

• Let chicken soak in dressing for deeper flavor, even overnight for maximum taste infusion.
• Cook chicken at medium-high heat, turning once to ensure even charring and thorough cooking.
• Cook pasta al dente to maintain a firm texture that holds up well in the salad.
• Enjoy the salad warm or chilled, knowing flavors intensify as it rests.
• Add avocado just before serving to prevent browning and maintain fresh, creamy texture.

Caprese Pasta Variation Ideas

• Mediterranean Veggie Swap: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version packed with protein and earthy flavors.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use quinoa or gluten-free pasta instead of traditional wheat pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivities without compromising taste.
• Spicy Herb Kick: Add red pepper flakes, fresh basil leaves, and swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese to create a zestier, more intense flavor profile.
• Protein Power Boost: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp or salmon for a different protein option that complements the fresh Mediterranean ingredients.

Serving Caprese Chicken Pasta

• Fresh Picnic Delight: Pack this vibrant pasta salad in mason jars for a stunning portable lunch that travels perfectly.
• Mediterranean Platter Pairing: Serve alongside grilled vegetables, olives, and warm pita bread to create a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal experience.
• Summer Gathering Centerpiece: Present on a large wooden board with fresh basil leaves scattered around, allowing guests to serve themselves casually at outdoor events.
• Protein Power Option: Top with additional grilled shrimp or crumbled feta cheese to increase protein content and add extra flavor complexity.

Caprese Chicken Pasta Storage Guide

• Store leftover Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• If possible, store avocado separately to prevent browning and maintain crisp texture. Add fresh avocado when ready to serve.
• Gently warm in microwave for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Stir halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of olive oil to refresh the dressing and prevent dryness.
• Enjoy cold straight from the refrigerator for a refreshing meal. The flavors will have melded together, creating an even more delicious taste experience.

FAQs

• What makes the dressing special in this Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad?

The dressing is a homemade vinaigrette whisked together in a glass jar, allowing for easy mixing and customization of flavors to suit your taste preferences.

• Can I prepare the chicken in advance?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken in 1/3 of the dressing for up to overnight, which helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with delicious flavor before grilling.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Grill the chicken until it’s lightly charred and cooked through, which typically takes 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through cooking to ensure even heat distribution.

Why Caprese Chicken Pasta Rocks

• Savor Quick Flavor Fusion: This recipe blends classic Caprese ingredients with hearty pasta and grilled chicken, creating a mouthwatering meal that satisfies multiple taste cravings in one dish.
• Master Flexible Serving Style: Enjoy the salad warm right after preparation or chill it for later, making it perfect for meal prep, picnics, or spontaneous gatherings with friends and family.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients based on dietary preferences or what's in your kitchen, allowing you to personalize the dish without losing its delicious core character.
• Boost Nutritional Balance: Packed with protein from chicken, healthy fats from avocado, and fresh vegetables, this recipe offers a well-rounded meal that feels both indulgent and nutritious.

Caprese Chicken Pasta Ingredient List

• Chicken Breast: A lean protein that adds hearty flavor and substance to the pasta salad.
• Mozzarella Cheese: A soft, creamy cheese that provides a rich and smooth texture.

• Pasta: The base of the salad that holds all the ingredients together.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy tomatoes that bring bright, fresh flavor to the dish.
• Avocado: A creamy ingredient that adds richness and healthy fats to the salad.

• Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Salt, Pepper: A classic combination that creates a tangy and balanced dressing for the pasta salad.

Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Summer’s zesty Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad blends Italian classics with fresh Mediterranean flavors. Creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and herb-seasoned chicken dance together, inviting you to savor each refreshing bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken tenders

Carbohydrates:

• 1 pound short cut pasta

Fresh Ingredients:

• 2 cups mozzarella balls
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves (torn)
• 1 avocado (diced)
• 1 shallot (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (chopped)

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Dressing Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons honey

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Instructions

1. Whisk dressing ingredients in a glass jar until thoroughly blended, calibrating seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Coat chicken with 1/3 of prepared dressing, allowing flavors to penetrate for 10 minutes or refrigerate overnight for deeper marination.
3. Heat grill, grill pan, or skillet to medium-high temperature around 375°F. Cook chicken until exterior develops golden char marks and internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 8-10 minutes, rotating midway through cooking process.
4. Prepare pasta in generously salted boiling water, cooking until perfectly al dente according to package instructions. Drain thoroughly.
5. Combine cooked pasta, grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and creamy avocado in a spacious serving bowl.
6. Drizzle remaining dressing over assembled ingredients, gently tossing to ensure even distribution and complete flavor integration.
7. Serve immediately while warm or chill for a refreshing cold salad variation. Note that flavors will continue developing and melding as the dish rests.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion and tender meat texture.
• Choose firm, ripe avocados to prevent turning mushy in the pasta salad.
• Grill chicken on medium-high heat to achieve perfect char without drying out the meat.
• Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 582 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg