Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad 

This vibrant and satisfying dish combines grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil, all tossed with pasta and dressed in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. It's a delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad, perfect for a light lunch or dinner, and ideal for meal prep or summer gatherings.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 12 oz short pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini)

• 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine), halved

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 shallot, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Grill the Chicken:

   • Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

   • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

   • Grill the chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

   • Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.

2. Cook the Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

   • Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

   • Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

3. Prepare the Dressing:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, shallot, garlic, oregano, and basil.

   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Assemble the Salad:

   • In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, grilled chicken slices, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil.

   • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

5. Serve:

   • Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 514 kcal

• Protein: 36g

• Carbohydrates: 49g

• Fat: 19g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 9.8g

• Sodium: 467mg

• Cholesterol: 59mg