Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad

Imagine tender bites of grilled chicken nestled among al dente pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil—all kissed with a tangy balsamic glaze. That’s the irresistible appeal of Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad, a vibrant dish that combines the beloved Italian Caprese salad with hearty protein and pasta for a complete meal. Perfect for warm summer evenings, potlucks, or meal prep, this refreshing yet satisfying dish strikes the perfect balance between light and filling. You’ll learn how to create a restaurant-quality Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about the classic combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil that makes Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad an instant favorite. The contrasting textures create a sensory delight in every bite—tender chicken provides satisfying protein, while the pasta offers a pleasant chewiness that pairs perfectly with the juicy burst of cherry tomatoes and the soft, milky mozzarella pearls.

What truly sets this pasta salad apart is its versatility. It’s substantial enough to serve as a main dish but can easily transition to a side for larger gatherings. The dish tastes amazing warm, at room temperature, or chilled from the refrigerator, making it perfect for advance preparation. The balsamic glaze adds a sophisticated touch that elevates this from a simple pasta salad to an impressive culinary creation.

Perhaps best of all, this Mediterranean-inspired chicken pasta salad comes together in just 30 minutes, yet tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something fresh, flavorful, and fulfilling without hours of cooking.

Ingredients

For the Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad:

• 8 oz (225g) rotini pasta (or pasta of choice)
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb/450g)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 cups (300g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz (225g) fresh mozzarella pearls (or ball mozzarella, torn into bite-sized pieces)
• 1/2 cup (20g) fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup (40g) red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

For the Balsamic Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (reduction)
• Additional fresh basil leaves

Pro Tips

Perfect Pasta Technique: For the best Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad, cook your pasta just until al dente—usually 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with the dressing and other ingredients. Immediately rinse with cold water after draining to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking, especially if you’re planning to serve the salad cold.

Chicken Preparation Secrets: For the juiciest chicken, pound the breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents dry, overcooked areas. Let the cooked chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in more flavorful and tender chicken in your pasta salad.

Dressing Distribution Strategy: Instead of waiting until all ingredients are combined, toss the still-warm pasta with half of the dressing immediately after cooking. The warm pasta will absorb the flavors more effectively, creating a more deeply flavored base for your Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad. Add the remaining dressing just before serving to refresh the flavors and ensure the salad isn’t dry.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Season chicken breasts on both sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make the Dressing
While the chicken rests, whisk together all dressing ingredients in a small bowl until well combined and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—you want a perfect balance of tangy and sweet to complement your Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad.

Step 4: Combine the Salad
In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sliced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, torn basil, and red onion (if using). Drizzle with the prepared dressing and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly. Take care not to overmix, which could break up the mozzarella or crush the tomatoes.

Step 5: Finish and Serve
Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Just before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and a crack of freshly ground black pepper. Your Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad is now ready to impress!

Variations

Mediterranean Caprese Pasta Salad: Transform your Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad into a Mediterranean feast by adding kalamata olives, diced cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, and a handful of baby spinach. Replace some of the balsamic vinegar with fresh lemon juice for a brighter flavor profile that complements these additions perfectly.

Pesto Caprese Chicken Pasta: For a vibrant green twist, replace the balsamic dressing with 1/3 cup of fresh basil pesto. The pesto intensifies the basil flavor and adds a rich, nutty dimension that pairs beautifully with the chicken and mozzarella. Add a handful of toasted pine nuts for extra texture and authentic Italian flair.

Vegetarian Caprese Pasta Salad: Skip the chicken and double the mozzarella for a satisfying vegetarian version. For added protein, consider incorporating white beans or chickpeas. This lighter variation makes an excellent side dish for grilled vegetables or as part of a larger spread for entertaining.

Storage and Serving

This Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep. The flavors actually improve after a few hours as they have time to meld together. If you’re planning to store it longer than a day, consider keeping the fresh basil separate and adding it just before serving to prevent wilting and discoloration.

For the best serving experience, remove the salad from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before eating to take the chill off. This allows the flavors to fully express themselves, particularly the nuances in the dressing and the creamy texture of the mozzarella.

Serve this versatile salad as a complete meal on its own, or pair it with crusty Italian bread and a glass of crisp white wine for a casual dinner party. For a more substantial spread, accompany it with grilled vegetables, a simple green salad, or bruschetta for an Italian-inspired feast.

FAQs

Can I make this Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad actually improves with a few hours of refrigeration as the flavors meld. Make it up to 24 hours in advance, but consider adding the fresh basil just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and flavor.

What’s the best pasta shape for this salad?
Medium-sized shapes like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle work best as they hold the dressing well and are easy to eat in a single bite. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti or very small shapes like orzo.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken to save time?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works perfectly in this Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad. You’ll need about 2 cups of shredded or diced cooked chicken.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta. Rice or corn-based pasta varieties work well in this recipe. Just be sure to follow the package cooking instructions, as gluten-free pastas often have different cooking times.

Is there a substitute for fresh mozzarella?
While fresh mozzarella provides the authentic Caprese experience, you can substitute diced block mozzarella in a pinch. For a different flavor profile, try small cubes of provolone or even a mild goat cheese.

Conclusion

This Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad is comfort food at its finest — refreshing yet satisfying, with the perfect balance of protein, carbs, and fresh vegetables in each colorful bite. It’s the kind of dish that transitions seamlessly from casual family dinners to impressive entertaining, all while keeping your kitchen cool and your preparation time minimal. Whether you’re looking for a portable picnic option, a make-ahead lunch solution, or a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, this vibrant pasta salad delivers restaurant-quality flavor with home-kitchen simplicity.

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