Description
This Delicious Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for quick dinners. Combining tender cooked pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and a zesty balsamic dressing, it’s a fresh take on a classic Italian favorite. The addition of garlic and basil enhances the Mediterranean flavors, making it a satisfying and easy meal to prepare in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 breasts boneless, skinless chicken
Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Main Salad
- 8 ounces spiral pasta
- 2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, ciliegine, halved
- 2/3 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or chiffonade
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spiral pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Whisk the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried basil, kosher salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the dressing is well blended and flavorful.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked and slightly cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Then add the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls.
- Toss Everything Together: Gently toss all the ingredients until the pasta, tomatoes, and mozzarella are evenly coated with the dressing and well distributed throughout the salad.
- Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle the freshly chopped basil over the top to add a burst of fresh flavor and color.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the pasta salad to chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
- You can grill or bake the chicken breasts and slice them to add on top to incorporate protein into the salad.
- Use fresh mozzarella balls labeled ‘ciliegine’ for the most authentic texture.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator, covered to keep fresh.
- Feel free to substitute spiral pasta with penne or fusilli if preferred.
