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Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad

Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad - featured image
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This Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad combines smoky grilled chicken, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil with tender pasta, all tossed in a tangy balsamic-honey dressing. It’s a vibrant, protein-packed dish perfect for picnics, meal prep, or a flavorful summer side.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225g) short pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle)
  • 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g)
  • 1 1/2 cups (225g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup (115g) fresh mozzarella pearls
  • 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, torn or sliced
  • 1 cup (30g) baby spinach (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) balsamic vinegar, divided
  • 1 1/2 tbsp (23ml) honey, divided
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced, divided
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • Balsamic glaze (for garnish, optional)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1/2 tbsp honey, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add chicken breasts, turning to coat. Cover and marinate for 15-30 minutes in the fridge.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, following package directions (usually 9-11 minutes). Drain and rinse briefly under cool water.
  3. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush grates with a bit of olive oil. Grill chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until charred and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Rest for 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized strips.
  4. Halve cherry tomatoes, tear or slice basil, and measure out mozzarella pearls. If using spinach, roughly chop it.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk remaining 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 tsp salt, and more black pepper.
  6. In a large bowl, toss cooked pasta with grilled chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and spinach if using. Pour in the dressing and toss until everything is coated.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if desired. Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

For best results, use the freshest basil and ripe cherry tomatoes. If making ahead, store basil and balsamic glaze separately and add just before serving. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta; for dairy-free, use vegan mozzarella or avocado. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, caprese, pasta salad, summer salad, Italian, picnic, meal prep, mozzarella, balsamic, healthy, protein, easy, fresh, barbecue side

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/grilled-chicken-caprese-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-fresh-and-flavorful-side/