Whenever I think of summer evenings with family gathered around the table, I’m reminded of the vibrant flavors and bright colors of my favorite dish: Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad. The warm aroma of grilled chicken mingling with fresh basil and ripe tomatoes brings back memories of sunny afternoons spent at my grandmother’s house, where we would all come together to share a meal. Every bite of this salad bursts with flavor, evoking smiles and laughter, making it not just a dish but an experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep and minimal cleanup: This salad can be thrown together relatively quickly, and with just a few dishes to clean, you’ll be back to enjoying your evening.
- Family-favorite appeal: The combination of grilled chicken, pasta, and fresh Caprese ingredients is sure to please everyone at the table.
- Comforting flavors: Rich olive oil and balsamic vinegar marry perfectly with the freshness of the tomatoes and basil, creating a dish that’s both hearty and refreshing.
- Make-ahead friendly: Ideal for meal prepping or bringing to gatherings, it keeps well and tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
To create this delightful Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Minced garlic
- Dried basil
- Kosher salt and pepper
- Spiral pasta (or your favorite cut)
- Grape or cherry tomatoes
- Fresh mozzarella (ciliegine or balls)
- Fresh basil, chopped or chiffonade
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into making this tasty dish! First, you’ll want to prep the chicken. You can even consider marinating it a day in advance for deeper flavors. In a baking dish or resealable bag, place your chicken. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried basil, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Measure out about ¼ cup of this delicious dressing to pour over your chicken and let it work its magic. Store the remaining dressing in the fridge for later!
Let your chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight. Once the marinating is done, preheat your grill to its highest setting. This high heat is perfect for locking in all the juicy goodness of the chicken. Grill the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. When it’s done, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting it into chunks.
As the chicken grills, you can cook your pasta (if you haven’t already). A tip: cook the pasta just until al dente so that it holds up well in the salad. This is also a good time to chop your tomatoes and fresh basil!
Now for the fun part! It’s time to assemble your pasta salad. I like to layer the pasta, chunked chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in a delightful tower. Of course, feel free to toss all these elements together in a bowl if you prefer a more casual approach! Once assembled, drizzle it with your reserved dressing and give it a gentle toss before serving.
Pro Tips for Making This Recipe
- Don’t overcook your pasta! Overcooked pasta can get mushy and lose its desirable texture, so aim for al dente.
- For extra flavor, consider adding some fresh herbs or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes when assembling.
- If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute for grilled chicken!
How to Serve
This Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad shines on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with sides like garlic bread or a crisp green salad. For a refreshing drink, a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling lemonade complements the flavors perfectly. This salad is also fantastic for special occasions like potlucks, summer parties, or even a cozy outdoor dinner with friends. When serving, don’t forget to add a sprinkle of fresh basil on top for that beautiful finishing touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
If you have leftovers, good news! This salad lasts in the refrigerator for about 3 days. When it comes to reheating, it’s best served cold, so just dive into it straight from the fridge. It’s like a mini picnic each time you take a bite! Plus, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together.
FAQ
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the pasta with a gluten-free variety, and you’re all set to enjoy this dish without worry.
What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
If you find yourself out of balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be utilized as a tangy alternative.
Can I use an air fryer or slow cooker instead?
Yes, if you’re short on grilling space or time, both an air fryer and slow cooker work wonderfully to prepare the chicken! Just keep an eye on the cooking times.
I hope this delightful dish brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out — I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- kosher salt and pepper
- 1 pound spiral pasta, cooked (or your favorite cut, like penne, etc)
- 12 to 16 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut in half if you wish (ciliegine preferred)
- 1 large handful fresh basil, chopped or chiffonade (about ⅔ cup)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken by whisking together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Pour ¼ cup of this dressing over the chicken in a baking dish or resealable bag and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight).
- Preheat the grill to the highest setting. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting it into chunks.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside. You can also prepare it a day ahead of time.
- Chop the tomatoes and basil while the chicken is cooking.
- Assemble the pasta salad by layering cooked pasta, chunked chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle with remaining dressing and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or store in the fridge until ready to serve. Add fresh basil just before serving if prepared in advance.