Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad

Imagine a dish that’s fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor—the kind that makes your taste buds dance before you even take a bite. That’s exactly what this Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad delivers. Juicy, tender chicken tenderloins tossed with al dente spiral pasta, sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, and buttery avocado, all dressed in a garlicky balsamic vinaigrette. Every bite is a harmony of textures and flavors: crisp, creamy, savory, and tangy.

This salad is perfect for summer lunches, potlucks, or as a make-ahead dinner that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to prepare. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to become a regular in your rotation—it’s that good.

Why you will love this recipe

Because it’s simple, delicious, and feels like a restaurant-quality dish without the fuss. It’s light yet filling, easy to prep ahead, and the kind of recipe that impresses friends and family without making you sweat in the kitchen.

Recipe Origin:

Inspired by the classic Italian Caprese salad, this pasta twist adds protein and pasta for a complete meal. The combination of chicken, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil is timeless, and tossing it all with a garlicky balsamic dressing gives it that irresistible, slightly tangy finish. Think of it as your favorite Italian flavors rolled into one colorful, satisfying salad.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:

Mixing bowls
Large pot for pasta
Skillet or grill pan for chicken
Tongs or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk for the dressing
Knife and cutting board

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Why You’ll Love Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad

This recipe is more than just a pasta salad—it’s a meal that’s full of life, flavor, and color. Here’s why it stands out:

Fresh and Flavorful: Sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella give it bright, bold flavors in every bite.

Hearty but Light: Protein-packed chicken and spiral pasta make it satisfying without being heavy.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the chicken and pasta ahead of time, toss with dressing when ready to serve, and you’ve got a stress-free meal.

Customizable: Swap spiral pasta for penne, add roasted peppers or olives, or use grilled chicken for extra smokiness.

Perfect for Any Occasion: This salad shines at potlucks, BBQs, picnics, or even as a quick weekday lunch.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results:

• Cook pasta al dente to keep a pleasant bite and avoid mushiness.
• Let the chicken rest after cooking to retain juiciness.
• Dice avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
• Toss the salad gently to avoid smashing the mozzarella pearls.
• Drizzle balsamic glaze at the very end for an elegant finishing touch.

Ingredients in Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad

Here’s what makes this pasta salad a crowd-pleaser:

Chicken Tenderloins: Tender, juicy, and lightly seasoned—perfect for adding protein and flavor.

Spiral Pasta: Al dente spirals are ideal for holding onto the dressing and mixing evenly with all ingredients.

Mozzarella Pearls: Creamy, soft bites that melt in your mouth and complement the fresh vegetables.

Fresh Basil: Adds a bright, fragrant note that ties all the flavors together beautifully.

Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy, and slightly tangy—they’re the perfect balance to the creamy mozzarella and avocado.

Avocado: Buttery and soft, it adds richness and a fresh, creamy texture.

Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle at the end adds a sweet, tangy punch and makes the dish visually stunning.

Dressing/Marinade Ingredients: Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and cracked black pepper—this simple mix enhances all the flavors and ties the salad together.

Instructions

Preheat Your Equipment: If cooking chicken in a skillet or grill pan, preheat to medium-high for a perfect sear.

Cook Pasta: Boil your spiral pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, toss with a little olive oil, and set aside to cool slightly.

Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken tenderloins with salt, pepper, and a bit of Italian seasoning. Cook in a skillet or grill pan for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Let rest before slicing.

Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, sliced chicken, mozzarella pearls, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and diced avocado. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently until everything is coated.

Finishing Touches: Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving for a glossy, sweet-tangy finish.

Serve and Enjoy: This salad is delicious served chilled or at room temperature. Perfect on its own or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4–6
Calories per serving: ~400–450 (depending on portion sizes)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad

Fresh and Simple: Serve with extra basil leaves for garnish.

With Bread: Crusty baguette or garlic bread makes a perfect accompaniment.

As a Make-Ahead Lunch: Store in an airtight container in the fridge and toss with extra dressing before eating.

Party-Ready: Perfect for potlucks or picnics; serve in a colorful bowl to highlight the vibrant ingredients.

Elevated Version: Add roasted peppers or olives for more Mediterranean flair.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Prep Ahead: Cook pasta and chicken in advance. Store separately until ready to combine.
• Storage: Keeps in the refrigerator for 2–3 days; add avocado just before serving.
• Dressing Storage: Store in a jar for up to a week; shake well before using.

Variations to Try:

• Grilled Chicken: Adds smoky flavor.
• Caprese Twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles.
• Extra Cheese: Mix in shredded Parmesan for an extra cheesy touch.

Additional Tips

• Avoid overmixing to keep avocado and mozzarella intact.
• Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
• Use fresh, high-quality balsamic vinegar for best flavor.
• Make individual portions in mason jars for easy grab-and-go lunches.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use another type of pasta?
A1: Yes, penne, fusilli, or bowtie pasta work beautifully.

Q2: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Cook and store chicken and pasta separately, then combine with fresh ingredients just before serving.

Q3: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A3: Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken makes this even quicker and easier.

Q4: How do I keep avocado from browning?
A4: Dice just before serving and toss with a little lemon juice.

Q5: Can I make this dairy-free?
A5: Yes, swap mozzarella pearls for a dairy-free alternative.

Q6: Is this salad served warm or cold?
A6: Both! It’s delicious chilled, at room temperature, or slightly warm.

Q7: Can I add other vegetables?
A7: Yes! Roasted peppers, cucumbers, or olives work well.

Q8: How long does it last in the fridge?
A8: 2–3 days. Add avocado fresh each time for best texture.

Q9: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
A9: Yes, just slice thinly and cook until fully cooked but still juicy.

Q10: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A10: Use plant-based mozzarella and skip the chicken or use grilled tofu or chickpeas.

Conclusion

Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad is fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or potlucks, it combines juicy chicken, creamy mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and buttery avocado with a garlicky balsamic dressing that ties it all together. It’s light, satisfying, and bursting with color—a dish that feels as good to serve as it does to eat. Prepare it once, and it’ll become your go-to recipe for effortless, delicious meals.

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