Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

If you’re craving a pasta salad that hits all the right notes—fresh, flavorful, and filling—I’ve got just the thing for you. This Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes for warm-weather meals and casual get-togethers. The juicy grilled chicken, sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil come together over perfectly cooked pasta, all tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this grilled chicken Caprese pasta salad work together so naturally—I love how simple pantry staples get elevated with fresh, vibrant additions. When shopping, look for ripe cherry tomatoes and quality mozzarella; it makes a big difference in flavor.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Easy to grill and chop, and they soak up the marinade beautifully.
• Extra virgin olive oil: This forms the base of your marinade and dressing, so use a good-quality one for the best taste.
• Balsamic vinegar: Adds the perfect tang and sweetness that balances the richness of the cheese and chicken.
• Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic makes all the difference in flavor depth.
• Dried basil: Enhances the herbaceous notes without overpowering the fresh basil you’ll add later.
• Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and the salad to perfection.
• Spiral pasta (or your favorite shape): Holds onto the dressing well—penne or rotini work great too.
• Grape or cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, perfect for a Caprese-inspired salad.
• Fresh mozzarella (ciliegine balls or similar): Creamy, tender bites that make every forkful feel indulgent.
• Fresh basil: Adds that unmistakable freshness—chiffonade or roughly chopped works well.

Variations

I love that this Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe is flexible—you can tweak it to suit your tastes, dietary needs, or what’s in season. Feel free to make it your own and experiment!

• Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and add grilled zucchini or eggplant for a tasty veggie-packed option I’ve tried and enjoyed just as much.
• Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta—you won’t miss a thing.
• Fresh herb swap: Try adding fresh oregano or mint along with basil for a subtle twist I stumbled upon that adds lovely brightness.
• Extra tang: Mix a little Dijon mustard into the dressing for some added zing, which my friends love.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Start by placing your chicken breasts in a baking dish or a resealable bag. Whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried basil, and a generous pinch of kosher salt and pepper. Pour about a quarter cup of this mixture over the chicken—this is your marinade that locks in flavor and keeps the chicken juicy. I like to reserve the rest as your salad dressing later, so don’t toss it! Let the chicken soak up all those flavors for at least 30 minutes, but if you can marinate it overnight, you’ll notice even better tasting meat.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken Like a Pro

Preheat your grill to its highest setting—this helps you get a nice sear and those beautiful grill marks. When it’s ready, place your chicken on the grill. You want to let the marinade drip off, so don’t dunk it in the sauce again before grilling. Grill for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, depending on thickness; the goal is an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, pat yourself on the back and let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting it into bite-sized chunks. Resting is key to keeping the juices locked in!

Step 3: Cook Your Pasta and Prep the Veggies

While the chicken is grilling, boil your spiral pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. I like to undercook by a minute to keep the perfect bite once cooled and tossed with dressing. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This pasta salad works great if you cook the pasta the day before and chill it. Meanwhile, halve your cherry or grape tomatoes and cut the mozzarella if your balls are large. Chop or chiffonade fresh basil to have ready—it adds that peppery, herbal kick at the end.

Step 4: Assemble Your Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad

Now comes the fun part! You can either gently toss everything together for random bursts of flavor in each bite, or layer the ingredients starting with pasta, then chicken chunks, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil—then repeat. I love layering when I’m serving guests because it looks so pretty, but tossing is great for everyday meals. Drizzle the remaining dressing you saved over the top and toss again just before serving. One quick tip: if you’re making this ahead, hold off adding fresh basil until just before serving to keep it bright and fresh.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper on top just before serving to brighten flavors. Sometimes I add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few fresh basil leaves for an extra pop. A sprinkle of pine nuts or toasted almonds adds delightful crunch if you’re into a bit of texture.

Side Dishes

This pasta salad is so hearty on its own, but I often serve it alongside crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to round out the meal. For summer barbecues, it pairs beautifully with grilled veggies or a chilled gazpacho.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes layer the pasta salad in a clear glass trifle bowl so the colorful layers show through—it’s like edible decor! You could also serve it in individual mason jars for easy grab-and-go lunches or picnics, which always impress friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it stays tasty for up to 3 days. Just remember to add fresh basil when you’re ready to eat again to revive those herbal flavors!

Freezing

Freezing this pasta salad isn’t my favorite because fresh mozzarella and basil don’t freeze well, and the pasta texture can get mushy. Instead, if you want to prep ahead, just freeze the grilled chicken separately, then assemble the salad fresh.

Reheating

If you have leftovers with chicken that you want warm, reheat the chicken chunks gently in the microwave or a skillet, then toss the pasta and veggies back in afterward to keep that fresh salad vibe.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s reliably delicious, comforting, and fresh all at once. It’s become a favorite for my family, and I hope it will be for you too. Next time you want a meal that feels both fancy and effortless, you know what to make—grab that grill and get ready for some serious flavor!

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