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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Whisk dressing ingredients in a glass jar until thoroughly blended, calibrating seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Coat chicken with 1/3 of prepared dressing, allowing flavors to penetrate for 10 minutes or refrigerate overnight for deeper marination.
- 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.
- Prepare pasta in generously salted boiling water, cooking until perfectly al dente according to package instructions. Drain thoroughly.
- Combine cooked pasta, grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and creamy avocado in a spacious serving bowl.
- Drizzle remaining dressing over assembled ingredients, gently tossing to ensure even distribution and complete flavor integration.
- 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