Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad
Fresh, flavorful, and protein-packed – this Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad is your perfect warm-weather dish. Juicy grilled chicken, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella come together with pasta and tangy balsamic vinaigrette for a vibrant, easy-to-make meal you’ll crave again and again.
Whether you’re meal prepping, packing lunch, or throwing together a quick dinner, this salad delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb pasta (gluten-free optional)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), thin and seasoned
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups tomatoes, diced and seeded
- ⅓ cup red onion, diced
- ⅓ cup basil, thinly sliced
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, diced (optional)
- ½ cup balsamic vinaigrette
Directions:
- Cook the pasta, drain, mix with olive oil, and let it cool while stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
- Grill or pan-fry the chicken (seasoned with salt & pepper) until cooked through (3–5 minutes per side), then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, tomatoes, red onion, basil, and mozzarella.
- Toss with balsamic vinaigrette and enjoy chilled or room temp!
Optional Add-ins:
- Sprinkle with parmesan cheese
- Make it vegetarian by skipping the chicken
- Season chicken with oregano or Italian seasoning
- Cook chicken a day in advance for faster prep
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 263
- Fat: 6g (Saturated 2g)
- Carbs: 32g (Fiber 1g, Sugars 3g)
- Protein: 18g
- Sodium: 262mg
Pinterest Description (Alt text):
Fresh and easy grilled chicken caprese pasta salad with juicy tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and balsamic dressing – perfect for summer lunches or meal prep!