If you’ve ever dreamed of a dish that combines fresh, vibrant flavors with satisfying textures, then this Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It seamlessly blends juicy grilled chicken, tender pasta, creamy mozzarella, and colorful cherry tomatoes with a luscious homemade balsamic dressing. This salad isn’t just a meal — it’s a celebration of classic Caprese ingredients in a fun, hearty form that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a picnic treat. I’m so excited to share every step with you because this recipe always brings a touch of sunshine and comfort to my table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to hitting that perfect balance of fresh and flavorful in our Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role, from the herbs that brighten everything up to the chicken that adds hearty protein. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so irresistible.
- Extra virgin olive oil: The foundation for a rich, smooth dressing that brings everything together elegantly.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy sweetness that perfectly balances the savory elements.
- Honey: A natural sweetener that mellows the acidity and deepens flavor complexity.
- Shallot: Provides a gentle bite and subtle sharpness in the dressing.
- Garlic: Infuses a warm, aromatic kick that lifts every bite.
- Fresh oregano and basil: These herbs deliver that unmistakable Mediterranean flair and fragrant aroma.
- Kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes: Essential seasonings that add layers of taste and just a hint of heat.
- Boneless skinless chicken tenders: Tender and quick-cooking, perfect for grilling to golden perfection.
- Short cut pasta: Holds the dressing beautifully and provides a satisfying bite in every forkful.
- Mozzarella balls: Creamy, with a soft texture that contrasts so well with the other ingredients — marinated ones are a bonus!
- Cherry tomatoes: Bursting with juiciness and color, a true star of this salad.
- Fresh basil leaves: Torn on top for a fragrant finishing touch that brightens every serving.
- Avocado: Adds creamy richness and a subtle buttery texture, making the salad feel indulgent yet fresh.
How to Make Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
This homemade dressing is where the magic begins. Combining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, shallot, garlic, fresh oregano, basil, and just the right amount of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes creates a complex yet harmonious flavor base. Whisk everything together vigorously until smooth — this is the heart and soul that will elevate each ingredient.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Once the dressing is ready, toss the tender chicken in a third of it and let it soak up all those vibrant flavors for at least 10 minutes, or if you have time, marinate overnight. This step ensures each bite of chicken is juicy and delicious, infused with a subtle herbaceous and tangy taste that pairs perfectly with the pasta and fresh ingredients.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Set your grill, grill pan, or skillet to medium-high heat for a nice sear. Cook the chicken tenders until they’re lightly charred and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through. That char adds a smoky depth that contrasts beautifully with the fresh tomatoes and creamy mozzarella.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. The pasta should be firm yet tender, the perfect canvas to carry the dressing and absorb those wonderful fresh flavors when combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large bowl. Chop or slice the grilled chicken and add it in, along with mozzarella balls, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and torn fresh basil leaves. Pour over the remaining dressing and toss everything gently but thoroughly. Whether you serve it warm or chilled, the flavors meld beautifully as it sits, making your Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe even better the next day.
How to Serve Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an eye-catching finish, sprinkle extra torn fresh basil leaves and a few cracked black peppercorns on top. If you like a little extra zing, a light drizzle of high-quality balsamic glaze adds both sweetness and visual appeal, taking this dish to gourmet heights at home.
Side Dishes
This salad stands tall on its own but pairs wonderfully with crunchy garlic bread or a simple green side salad for a balanced meal. For something heartier, grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini complement this dish’s Mediterranean vibe while adding extra texture and nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring some fun to your table by serving this Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe in individual mason jars or colorful bowls. Layer the ingredients for a beautiful presentation or sprinkle some toasted pine nuts on top for extra crunch and flavor complexity. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at picnics and potlucks alike!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad tastes fantastic cold or at room temperature after the flavors have had time to mingle. Just give it a quick toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing evenly.
Freezing
This salad isn’t the best candidate for freezing because the fresh ingredients like tomatoes, avocado, and basil lose their texture and vibrant flavor. The grilled chicken and pasta can be frozen separately if needed, but for the best tasting Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe experience, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
If you prefer your salad warm, gently reheat portions on the stovetop or microwave until just warm, avoiding overcooking the pasta or chicken. Add fresh basil and avocado after warming to maintain their bright flavor and creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?
Absolutely! Short cut pasta like rotini, penne, or farfalle works best for holding the dressing. Feel free to experiment with gluten-free or whole wheat options if you prefer.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken overnight?
Marinating overnight intensifies the flavor, but if you’re short on time, even 10 minutes will make a noticeable difference. The key is to allow some marinating time to soak up the herbs and tangy dressing.
Can I substitute fresh mozzarella balls with shredded mozzarella?
While shredded mozzarella can be used, the mozzarella balls bring a lovely creamy texture and visual charm that shredded cheese doesn’t provide. They also mix better with the rest of the salad ingredients.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe holds up well in the fridge for a couple of days, making it ideal for meal prep lunches or quick dinners during a busy week.
What can I use instead of avocado if I don’t like it?
If avocado isn’t your thing, you can skip it or substitute it with cucumber or roasted red peppers for added freshness and a slight crunch.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe enough for anyone craving something fresh, flavorful, and totally satisfying. It’s a beautiful harmony of textures and tastes that’s as delightful to eat as it is to share with friends and family. Trust me, once you try it, this salad will quickly become one of your go-to favorites for any occasion!
PrintCaprese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
This vibrant Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad combines tender grilled chicken, al dente short cut pasta, fresh mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado, all tossed in a flavorful herb and balsamic dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a crowd-pleasing dinner, it can be served warm or cold and makes wonderfully flavorful leftovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Dressing
- 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, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
Salad
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken tenders
- 1 pound short cut pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 2 cups mozzarella balls (preferably marinated)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1 avocado, diced
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a glass jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, chopped shallot, garlic, fresh oregano, fresh basil, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and toss with a third of the prepared dressing, ensuring they are well coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken tenders until lightly charred and cooked through, turning halfway, about 8 to 10 minutes total. Remove from heat and let rest briefly before slicing or chopping.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the short cut pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and transfer to a large salad bowl.
- Assemble the salad: Add the cooked grilled chicken, mozzarella balls, halved cherry tomatoes, torn fresh basil leaves, and diced avocado to the bowl with the pasta.
- Toss with remaining dressing: Pour the remaining two-thirds of the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently but thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly.
- Serve: Serve the Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad warm or chilled. The salad’s flavors will continue to develop if it sits for a while before serving.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for extra flavor and tenderness.
- Use marinated mozzarella balls if available to boost flavor without extra seasoning.
- The salad can be served warm shortly after assembling or chilled for a refreshing cold dish.
- If you prefer, substitute short cut pasta with fusilli, penne, or rotini for better sauce clinging.
- Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
