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Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese chicken pasta salad.
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This chicken caprese pasta salad is a delicious, healthy pasta salad made with tomatoes, basil, mozzarella and balsamic vinegar that makes the perfect make-ahead summer lunch or potluck dish! (gluten-free and vegetarian options)

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz whole wheat pasta
  • 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
  • 3 oz fresh mozzarella pearls
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • balsamic reduction (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta to al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Thinly slice grilled chicken or cut into bite-sized pieces. Halve cherry tomatoes.
  3. Mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper.
  4. In a large bowl, combine pasta with chicken, tomatoes, and mozzarella. Drizzle with olive oil mixture. Roughly tear basil leaves and add to the bowl. Gently stir to coat everything.
  5. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  6. Drizzle with balsamic reduction before serving. (optional)

Notes

  • Store pasta salad in the refrigerator, covered, until ready to serve. It will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Add the basil and toss with additional oil and vinegar or balsamic vinaigrette just before serving, as the pasta tends to soak up the dressing and become dry as it sits.
  • For gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free pasta, such as Banza chickpea pasta.
  • For vegetarian, leave out the chicken.
  • You can also use whole tomatoes and dice them, and/or a whole ball of mozzarella and tear or cut it into pieces instead of mozzarella pearls.
  • Use your favorite balsamic vinaigrette instead of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Keywords: chicken caprese pasta salad, tomato basil mozzarella pasta salad

Find it online: https://livelytable.com/chicken-caprese-pasta-salad/