This Caprese pasta salad with chicken is a fresh, flavorful summer dish made with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- This pasta salad recipe is packed with classic caprese ingredients including fresh basil, fresh tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella pearlsโlots of fresh summer flavors!
- The perfect pasta recipe for warm-weather meals and summer cookouts.
- A delicious recipe that doubles as a main dish or a great side dish.
- A complete meal with the addition of tender, juicy chicken and tender pasta.
- A great recipe for using lots of cherry tomatoes and ripe tomatoes from the garden.
- Perfect for busy weeksโeasy to make, keeps well, and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredient Notes
- Pasta - we like using penne or bowtie pasta but feel free to use your pasta of choice! Shells or rigatoni would work as well.
- Rotisserie chicken - we love to use rotisserie chicken for this recipe but feel free to use grilled chicken or leftover chicken that you have on hand.
- Basil - use fresh basil for this recipe.
- Cherry tomatoes - sweet cherry tomatoes are our favorite, but you can also use grape tomatoes.
- Mozzarella pearls - we love using the mini mozzarella balls for this recipe. If you aren't able to find these at your grocery store, you can use the fresh mozzarella balls and cut them into cubes. We highly recommend using fresh mozzarella cheese.
- Balsamic vinegar - use regular balsamic vinegar over white balsamic vinegar.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements for the best caprese pasta salad.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- This recipe is easily customizable for individual needs. Need a gluten-free option? Simply swap with gluten-free noodles.
- You could also try this recipe with our easy grilled balsamic chicken.
How to Make Easy Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad
For the full recipe instructions, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
Step 1: Place a large pot of salted water on the stove over medium high heat. Cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. Once the pasta is cooked, drain the water and rinse the pasta in cool water to stop the cooking process.
Step 2: Next, prep the dressing. Add the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, dijon, garlic, salt, and pepper to a blender or food processor. Blend for 5-10 seconds until smooth. Next, slowly add the oil in a small stream as you blend the mixture on low. The dressing should be smooth and creamy when fully mixed.
Step 3: Add the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella to a large mixing bowl.
Step 4: Add the desired amount of dressing.
Step 5: Toss until evenly coated.
Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad FAQs
If you have leftover pasta salad we recommend storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eating it within 3-4 days. The next day, or when you are ready to eat the leftovers, toss it with a little bit of the dressing as the pasta often dries out in the fridge. You can also microwave the pasta for a few seconds to help soften the pasta.ย
This recipe can be gluten free with the use of gluten free pasta. It can be dairy free with the omission of mozzarella cheese. It can be vegetarian with the omission of the chicken. For a vegan version, leave out the chicken and the cheese and use maple syrup in the dressing.ย
Other Cold Pasta Salads
If you make this easy caprese pasta salad recipe, please let us know how it turns out in the comments below and/or rate the recipe! Donโt forget to tag us on Instagram to show us your finished productโit makes our day every time we see you trying the recipes we love!
Caprese Balsamic Pasta Salad with Chicken (Easy + Fresh)
Ingredients
For the pasta salad:
- 10 ounces pasta noodles (we prefer penne or bowtie)
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup basil leaves, thinly sliced
- 10 ounce container of cherry tomatoes, halved
- ยพ cup mini pearl mozzarella balls
For the dressing:
- ยผ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or honey
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic or small garlic clove
- ยผ teaspoon salt + more to taste
- โ teaspoon black pepper
- โ cup olive oil or avocado oil
Instructions
- Place a large pot of water on the stove over medium high heat and generously salt the water. Cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. Once the pasta is cooked, drain the water and rinse the pasta in cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Next, prep the dressing. Add the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, dijon, garlic, salt, and pepper to a blender or food processor. Blend for 5-10 seconds until smooth. Next, slowly add the oil in a small stream as you blend the mixture on low. The dressing should be smooth and creamy when fully mixed.
- Add the pasta, shredded chicken, tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella to a large bowl. Add the desired amount of dressing and toss until evenly coated.
Notes
- Save time:ย
- While we highly recommend the homemade balsamic dressing, you can save time by purchasing your favorite creamy balsamic dressing at the store.ย
- Prep ahead:
- You can prep the dressing ahead of time and store in the fridge until ready to use.ย
- You can prepare the pasta salad ahead of time and store in the fridge. When ready to use, simply toss with the dressing and serve.ย
- This recipe can be gluten free with the use of gluten free pasta. It can be dairy free with the omission of mozzarella cheese. It can be vegetarian with the omission of the chicken. For a vegan version, leave out the chicken and the cheese and use maple syrup in the dressing.ย
- The recipe can be found on My Fitness Pal by searching "BWB Caprese Pasta Salad." The nutrition content provided for each recipe is an estimate created through the My Fitness Pal database. Please be aware that the nutritional content of each recipe may vary based on the products you use, the precision of your measurements, and the source you use to obtain nutrition data. While we try to provide accurate information, we give no guarantee regarding the accuracy of the nutritional information provided.ย
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