Layered Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad
A delicious and fresh Caprese-inspired pasta salad layered with tender grilled chicken, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Perfect for summer gatherings or a light, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts You want fresh, not frozen, for best grill results.
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil Go for a good one that smells fruity and not bitter.
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar This adds that tangy sweetness that wakes up your marinade.
- 4 cloves garlic minced; fresh garlic beats powdered any day.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil Gives an earthy herby note that’s just right.
- to taste Kosher salt and pepper Don’t skimp! Salt helps enhance all the fresh flavors.
- 1 pound spiral pasta Cooked. Spiral’s great but penne or fusilli work too.
- 12-16 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes halved; they burst with juicy freshness.
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella I like ciliegine balls, cut ’em if you want smaller bites.
- 1 large handful fresh basil chopped or chiffonade; fresh basil is the heart of this salad.
Instructions
Instructions
- Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, dried basil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to make the marinade.
- Place chicken breasts in a bag or shallow dish and pour half the marinade over. Let soak in for at least 30 minutes in the fridge, or up to 2 hours.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat until hot enough to get grill marks.
- Take chicken from marinade and grill each side for 6-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and grill lines appear.
- Let grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked spiral pasta, grape tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, and the remaining marinade. Gently toss to mix flavors without squashing cheese or tomatoes.
- For layering, use a clear big bowl or trifle dish. Start with pasta mix, then grilled chicken layer, repeating until ingredients are used. Finish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
- Chill salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to settle.
- Serve chilled and enjoy your fresh and flavorful Caprese chicken pasta salad.
Notes
Marinate chicken overnight for faster preparation next day. Store leftovers in airtight container and consume within 2 days. Keep pasta and chicken separate if undressed to avoid sogginess. Fresh basil and tomatoes don’t freeze well.