Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad
A fresh and filling pasta salad with grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil tossed in a tangy balsamic-Dijon dressing. Perfect for weeknights, picnics, and leftovers.
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 1 lb
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta & salad
- 8 oz rotini pasta , penne or fusilli
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls bocconcini, halved
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves torn
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion optional
Dressing
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp honey optional, to balance acidity
Garnish
- 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts, optional
- Extra basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and rub with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Grill chicken 5–7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest 5–10 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, drain and rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking.
- Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Adjust to taste and add honey if desired.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, halved tomatoes, mozzarella, torn basil and red onion. Toss with dressing, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Fold in sliced chicken and finish with toasted nuts and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Notes
- To prevent soggy mozzarella, drain any excess liquid before adding to the salad.
- If making ahead, store dressing separately and add just before serving to keep basil bright.
- Leftovers keep well for 2–3 days in the fridge; add fresh basil when serving again.
Nutrition
Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 36gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 560mgSugar: 5g
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