Description
A refreshing and vibrant Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside in a large bowl.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sauté for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked through. Let cool slightly before dicing into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine the diced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil leaves in the same bowl as the pasta.
- Drizzle the mixture with balsamic vinegar and olive oil; toss gently to ensure everything is well-coated. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
Notes
For added flavor, marinate the chicken beforehand or let the salad chill for enhanced taste. This salad can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg