Name: Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken tenders; 1 pound short-cut pasta; 2 cups mozzarella balls; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 avocado, diced; Fresh basil leaves; 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar; 3 tablespoons honey; 1 shallot, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, chopped; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil; Kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes

Description

Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer. Combining juicy grilled chicken, creamy mozzarella balls, and sweet cherry tomatoes with the aromatic flavors of fresh basil and a tangy balsamic dressing, this salad is not only visually appealing but also incredibly satisfying. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a light meal, it comes together in just 30 minutes with minimal cooking required. The best part? It’s highly versatile—enjoy it warm or chilled, as a main course or side dish. With its delightful mix of textures and flavors, this salad is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound boneless skinless chicken tenders
1 pound short-cut pasta
2 cups mozzarella balls
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, diced
Fresh basil leaves
2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons honey
1 shallot, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes

Instructions

Prepare the dressing by shaking all dressing ingredients in a glass jar until smooth.
Marinate chicken tenders in one-third of the dressing for at least 10 minutes.
Grill the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for about 8-10 minutes until cooked through.
Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sliced grilled chicken, mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and torn basil leaves.
Drizzle remaining dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for later enjoyment.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 350g)
Calories: 480
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor impact. Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or substitute mozzarella with feta cheese for variation. This salad can be made ahead; store dressing separately until serving.