Layered Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad
Layered Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad is everything you want in a summer dish: fresh, vibrant, full of flavor, and super easy to prepare. It can be served as a main course, side dish, or even lunch, and it’s perfect for BBQs, picnics, or weeknight dinners.
⭐ What Makes It Great:
- Juicy grilled chicken marinated in balsamic vinaigrette
- Sweet cherry tomatoes and creamy fresh mozzarella
- Fresh basil for a classic Caprese flavor
- Customizable and make-ahead friendly
- Great hot or cold
⏱ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken & Marinade:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
For the Pasta Salad:
- 1 lb spiral pasta (spirali, penne, or rotini)
- 12–16 oz cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine), halved or cubed
- ⅔ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or chiffonade
- Reserved balsamic vinaigrette (from marinade)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Marinate & Grill the Chicken
- Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken in a dish or bag; pour ¼ cup of marinade over it. Reserve the rest for the salad.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight).
- Preheat grill to high. Grill chicken 5–6 minutes per side, until internal temp is 165°F.
- Let rest 5–10 minutes, then chop into chunks.
2. Cook the Pasta
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Drain and let cool. (Can be done a day ahead.)
3. Prep the Other Ingredients
- Halve the tomatoes and mozzarella balls.
- Chop fresh basil. (Save for just before serving if prepping ahead.)
4. Assemble the Salad
- Layer or toss: Combine pasta, grilled chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
- Drizzle with remaining balsamic vinaigrette.
- Toss gently and serve immediately or refrigerate until ready.
💡 Pro Tip: If making ahead, wait to add fresh basil until just before serving to avoid wilting.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve cold or at room temperature.
- Great alongside grilled veggies or crusty bread.
- Pack in jars for a picnic or meal prep!
🧊 Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Make Ahead: Grill the chicken and cook pasta up to 2 days ahead. Assemble day-of.
🔄 Variations
| Swap or Add | Result |
|---|---|
| Pesto instead of balsamic | More herby, creamy flavor |
| Add arugula or spinach | More greens & bite |
| Use tortellini | Richer, cheesy pasta version |
| Add avocado or olives | Creaminess or briny kick |
| Vegetarian version | Skip chicken, use grilled zucchini or chickpeas |
🌟 Final Thoughts
This Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad is sunshine in a bowl! With juicy grilled chicken, sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and a tangy vinaigrette, it’s the perfect summer staple for gatherings or easy meals.
Serve it layered for a showstopping presentation, or toss it together for a more casual vibe—it’s easy, delicious, and totally flexible.