This colorful Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad is a breeze to make. It features tender chicken, fresh tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, all mixed together with pasta and a splash of basil dressing.
It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a lovely dinner. I like to toss in some extra veggies to sneak in more flavors. Plus, who doesn’t love cheese and pasta? It’s a winning combo every time! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using rotini or radiatori for their ability to hold onto the dressing and other ingredients. If you don’t have these, any pasta shape works well, like penne or fusilli. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be great swaps too!
Chicken: Grilling the chicken adds a nice smoky flavor. If you’re short on time, store-bought rotisserie chicken is a super convenient option. Just shred it for easy mixing!
Cherry Tomatoes: These small, sweet tomatoes bring great flavor. Feel free to swap them for heirloom or even diced regular tomatoes if that’s what you have. Just make sure they’re ripe!
Fresh Mozzarella: I use bocconcini for creaminess. If you can’t find them, regular mozzarella, cut into cubes, works just as well. You can also use vegan cheese if you prefer a dairy-free option!
Basil: Fresh basil is key for that classic Caprese flavor. If you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil can replace it, but use less since dried herbs are stronger. You could also use parsley for a different twist.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad Isn’t Soggy?
To prevent a soggy salad, follow these tips:
- After cooking your pasta, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. This also helps to remove excess starch that can make it sticky.
- Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the cooled pasta and toss it lightly. This adds flavor and helps keep the strands separate.
- Add ingredients like tomatoes and avocado right before serving. This keeps them fresh and prevents extra moisture from seeping into the pasta.
Easy Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz rotini or radiatori pasta
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar or glaze
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare once you have all your ingredients ready. It’s quick to whip up and perfect for a refreshing meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini or radiatori pasta. Cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). When done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop it from cooking further. This also helps keep it from getting sticky.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well blended. This will be the tasty dressing that brings all your ingredients together!
3. Mix the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, grilled chicken slices, halved tomatoes, mozzarella balls, diced avocado, and fresh basil leaves. Drizzle the dressing over the top, then gently toss everything together until it’s coated evenly.
4. Serve or Chill:
After mixing, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little spice. You can serve the salad immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Before serving, give it one last gentle toss and garnish with extra basil leaves. Enjoy your delicious, fresh pasta salad!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken will save you time and still taste delicious. Just shred or slice the chicken and mix it in!
How to Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and consider adding extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for some crunch. You can also add chickpeas or cooked lentils for protein!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the salad a few hours in advance! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the ingredients from getting soggy. Once ready to serve, pour the dressing over and toss lightly.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, you can add a bit more olive oil or balsamic vinegar when you’re ready to eat to refresh it!
