This Layered Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad is a colorful mix of pasta, juicy grilled chicken, fresh tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella. It’s a party on a plate!
Making this salad feels like a fiesta, with all the vibrant layers. I love packing it for picnics; it freshens up any day and tastes amazing even after a little time in the fridge!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: Rotini is great for holding dressing, but you can swap it for fusilli, penne, or even whole wheat pasta if you prefer something different or healthier.
Cherry Tomatoes: Mixed colors add visual appeal, but if they aren’t available, regular tomatoes diced small will work just fine. Try grape tomatoes for a sweeter taste too!
Grilled Chicken: Diced grilled chicken breast is tasty, but you can substitute it with shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you want a meatless option, chickpeas are a solid choice for protein.
Fresh Mozzarella: Bocconcini gives a nice texture but can be replaced with diced mozzarella or even feta if you like a bit of tang.
Fresh Basil: Basil adds a wonderful flavor, but you could use fresh parsley or arugula for a different taste. Dried basil is an option too, just remember to use less since it’s more concentrated.
How Do You Make the Dressing Perfectly Balanced?
Creating a balanced dressing is simple but requires a bit of attention. The olive oil and balsamic vinegar should complement one another, so it’s all about the right proportions.
- Start with a 3:1 ratio of olive oil to balsamic vinegar. This keeps it rich without being too tangy.
- Add garlic powder for a hint of flavor, and don’t skip the salt and pepper! They enhance the other flavors.
- Whisk everything together until it’s well combined. Taste and adjust to your liking—add more vinegar for tang or more oil for richness.
How to Make Layered Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (mixed colors)
- 1 lb grilled chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare and is best allowed to sit for 15 minutes before serving. Total time is around 35 minutes, perfect for a quick meal or side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of water. Once it’s boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. After it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set it aside to ensure it doesn’t stick together.
2. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rotini pasta, diced grilled chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil. Make sure to mix them well so that everything is evenly distributed.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This dressing will add a delicious flavor to your salad!
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Toss everything gently to make sure all the ingredients are coated with the dressing and flavors meld together.
5. Let It Rest:
Allow the salad to sit for at least 15 minutes before serving. This helps all those wonderful flavors mix and intensify!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your pasta salad chilled or at room temperature. For a lovely touch, you can garnish it with extra basil leaves if you like. Enjoy this colorful and tasty dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta for This Salad?
Absolutely! While rotini works well because its spirals hold onto the dressing nicely, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the grilled chicken and consider adding extra veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or avocado for added flavor and texture. You can also increase the amount of mozzarella to maintain a delicious, hearty feel!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to blend, but you might want to add a splash of olive oil or balsamic vinegar before serving to refresh the salad.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prepping. You can make it up to a day ahead. Just keep it covered in the fridge, and let it sit out for a few minutes at room temperature before serving to bring back some of the flavors. Enjoy!
