This Layered Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad is a colorful and tasty dish. It features tender grilled chicken, fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil all mixed with pasta.
The best part? It’s like a little party in a bowl! I love how all the flavors come together, and it’s perfect for a picnic or quick lunch. Plus, who doesn’t love anything with cheese? 🍗🍅
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fusilli Pasta: This pasta shape holds the dressing well, but you can swap it for rotini, penne, or even whole wheat pasta if you prefer something healthier.
Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes add sweetness. If they’re out of season, try using diced regular tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor.
Fresh Mozzarella (Bocconcini): These little cheese balls are creamy and delightful. If you can’t find them, cubed mozzarella or feta cheese works too, adding a tangy twist.
Fresh Basil: The basil brings a lovable aroma. If fresh basil isn’t available, dried basil can be used; just use a little less as it’s more concentrated in flavor.
Balsamic Vinegar: For a sweeter taste, consider apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. They won’t be as rich, but will still provide acidity to the dish.
How Do You Ensure Your Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta seems simple, but there’s a trick to getting it just right! The goal is al dente, which means “to the tooth” in Italian. Here’s how:
- Boil water in a large pot. Don’t forget to add a generous amount of salt (like the sea!) to flavor the pasta.
- Follow package instructions for cook time, usually around 8-10 minutes for fusilli. Taste a piece a minute or two before it’s done.
- Once cooked to your liking, drain the pasta, then rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.
This method keeps your pasta from becoming mushy and helps the salad maintain a nice texture!
How to Make Layered Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz fusilli pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves (torn)
- 2 grilled chicken breasts (diced)
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total, including 10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for chilling. You cook the pasta, mix in the fresh ingredients, whip up the dressing, and let it sit so all those yummy flavors can blend together. A perfect dish for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the fusilli pasta according to the instructions on the package. Once it’s tender, drain the pasta and give it a quick rinse under cold water to cool it down. This will keep it from getting mushy. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
2. Combine the Fresh Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooled fusilli pasta, diced grilled chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and the torn basil leaves. This salad is all about those fresh flavors, so make sure everything is mixed well!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until it’s blended smoothly. This tasty dressing is what really brings the salad to life.
4. Mix It All Together:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss everything together. You’ll want to make sure every piece is coated in that delicious dressing. Be careful not to mush the ingredients!
5. Let It Marinate:
After mixing, let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together and become oh-so-delicious!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s ready, you can serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. If you like, throw some extra basil on top for a nice garnish. Enjoy your refreshing Layered Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While fusilli works well for this salad, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta shapes may require slight adjustments.
Is There a Good Substitute for Fresh Mozzarella?
Yes! If you can’t find fresh mozzarella, you can use shredded mozzarella or even crumbled feta cheese for a different flavor profile. Just note that using shredded cheese won’t have the same creamy texture as fresh mozzarella.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best taste, it’s recommended to eat the salad within the first couple of days as the pasta may absorb the dressing over time.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can definitely make this salad in advance! Just prepare it up to step 5, then refrigerate it for a few hours or even overnight. This will allow the flavors to deepen. If desired, you can freshen it up by drizzling a bit more olive oil or balsamic vinegar on top before serving.
