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Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken

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A light, fresh, and satisfying pasta salad featuring al dente pasta, grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, grape tomatoes, and basil, finished with a tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for quick dinners and summer meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) penne or rotini pasta
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 ounces/340 grams)
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) fresh mozzarella pearls or bocconcini
  • 1 pint (about 250 grams) grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 grams) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 9-11 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside to drain thoroughly (about 5 minutes).
  2. Pat chicken breasts dry and brush both sides with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Heat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and grill marks appear. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as desired.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, grilled chicken, halved grape tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella pearls. Tear or roughly chop 1 cup fresh basil leaves and add them in. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
  5. Transfer salad to a serving bowl or platter. Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze in a thin, even layer over the top. Garnish with a few whole basil leaves if desired.
  6. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes before serving if preferred. If chilling, add the balsamic glaze just before serving to keep it vibrant.

Notes

Do not skip rinsing the pasta after cooking to prevent sticking and keep the salad fresh. Rest the grilled chicken for 5 minutes before slicing to lock in juices. Toss the salad while the chicken is still slightly warm for better flavor absorption. Use fresh mozzarella pearls or bocconcini for best texture. Adjust dressing amount to avoid overdressing. Balsamic glaze can be homemade by reducing balsamic vinegar. For gluten-free, substitute gluten-free pasta; for dairy-free, use plant-based cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese pasta salad, grilled chicken pasta salad, fresh mozzarella salad, summer pasta salad, easy pasta salad, healthy pasta salad

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/fresh-caprese-pasta-salad-with-grilled-chicken-easy-healthy-recipe/