The Best Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe with Chicken
Makes: 1 Servings
Per Serving: 44g Protein | 445 Cal
Looking for a fresh twist on a classic Caprese salad? This Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad is a yummy, high-protein spin is a great recipe for lunch, dinner, or meal prep! It combines all the vibrant flavors of a traditional Caprese with a hearty boost of added protein to keep you full and satisfied. Trust me, you’ll want to make this one on repeat!
Why You'll Love This Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad
High-Protein Powerhouse: With 44g of protein per serving, this salad is perfect for keeping you full and energized throughout the day. It's a delicious way to fuel your body while enjoying every bite!
Fresh, Vibrant Flavors: The combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy, rich mozzarella, and fragrant basil gives you that classic Caprese flavor with a hearty twist. It’s like a taste of summer in every forkful.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Whether you’re packing lunches for the week or need a quick dinner option, this salad is a meal-prep superstar. It holds up beautifully in the fridge and only gets better as the flavors meld together.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is super easy to whip up. Even if you’re short on time, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal ready in no time.
Customizable: This salad is endlessly adaptable. Swap the chicken for your favorite protein, try different types of pasta, or add in extra veggies. It’s a versatile recipe that you can make your own.
Nutritious and Balanced: Not only is this salad delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients. It’s a well-rounded meal that hits the right balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats.
Whether you’re a Caprese salad fan looking for a heartier version or just someone who loves a good, wholesome meal, this simple salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
Ingredients
2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes (you can halve these if you don’t like to eat them whole!) – Juicy and sweet, these are the stars of the show!
12 oz chicken breasts or chicken tenders – Cooked to perfection and packed with protein.
8 oz dried pasta – I used Kaizen for a low-carb option, but you can use your favorite pasta.
1 container of fresh mozzarella balls in water, halved – About 24 balls of creamy goodness.
Big bunch of basil leaves – Fresh and fragrant, adding that classic Caprese flavor.
Dressing
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar (you can use white balsamic vinegar if you prefer) – For that rich, tangy sweetness.
1/8 cup red wine vinegar – A little extra zing!
1 tablespoon olive oil – Just the right amount of healthy fat.
1 tsp minced garlic (or 1 clove of garlic, minced) – Because garlic makes everything better.
1 tsp Dijon mustard – For a bit of bite and creaminess.
1/2 tsp oregano (you can also use a blend of Italian seasonings if that's what you have on hand) – Herbaceous goodness.
1/2 tsp basil – Because you can never have too much basil!
Salt and pepper – To taste.
Instructions
Cook the chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with a little salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear in a large skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through and golden brown (chicken should always be cooked to 165 degrees F), then dice it into bite-sized pieces. You can also use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for even quicker prep and very little effort.
Prep the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and cook your pasta according to the package directions. Once it’s cooked to al dente, drain and let it cool.
Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, grilled chicken, and cooked pasta. Toss in the fresh basil leaves – don’t skimp, the more, the better!
Mix the balsamic dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the vinegars, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. If you’re using a mason jar with a well-fitting lid, you can simply add all of your dressing ingredients and give it a good shake. Drizzle some balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss everything until well-coated.
Serve and enjoy: Divide the salad into 5 servings, or pack it up for meal prep. Drizzle with remaining dressing if desired.
Nutrition (per serving)
445 calories
44g protein
23g carbs
20g fat
FAQ’s
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Absolutely! While I used Kaizen pasta for a lower-carb option, feel free to swap it with your favorite type of pasta. Whole wheat, chickpea, or even a gluten-free variety would work well in this recipe.
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I prefer grilling or pan-searing the chicken breast for this recipe, but you can cook it however you’d like. Season it with salt and pepper, then cook until it’s golden brown and fully cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes before dicing to keep it juicy!
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Yes! This Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day or two ahead and store it in the fridge. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve, so the salad stays fresh and crisp.
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It should stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. If you’re planning to keep it longer, consider adding the basil right before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
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Definitely! While chicken is a great high-protein option, you can switch it up with grilled shrimp, tofu, or even leftover steak for a different twist on the salad.
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If you don’t have mozzarella balls on hand, you can use sliced fresh mozzarella or even shredded mozzarella. Just make sure to adjust the quantity so you get the right balance of flavors.
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Absolutely! Zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, sliced red onion, and more would all taste amazing in this salad. You can also add additional herbs like fresh oregano to take advantage of the summer's best ingredients.
This Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad is not just delicious; it’s a balanced meal that hits all the right spots, the perfect main course for lunch or dinner. Whether you're enjoying it fresh or as leftovers the next day, it’s a great way to savor the fresh ingredients of a classic Caprese with a satisfying protein boost. Perfect for those busy days when you need something quick, easy, and nutritious. Enjoy!
Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe with Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes (you can halve these if you don’t like to eat them whole!) – Juicy and sweet, these are the stars of the show!
- 12 oz chicken breasts or chicken tenders – Cooked to perfection and packed with protein.
- 8 oz dried pasta – I used Kaizen for a low-carb option, but you can use your favorite pasta.
- 1 container of fresh mozzarella balls in water, halved – About 24 balls of creamy goodness.
- Big bunch of basil leaves – Fresh and fragrant, adding that classic Caprese flavor.
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with a little salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear in a large skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through and golden brown (chicken should always be cooked to 165 degrees F), then dice it into bite-sized pieces. You can also use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for even quicker prep and very little effort.
- Prep the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt and cook your pasta according to the package directions. Once it’s cooked to al dente, drain and let it cool.
- Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, grilled chicken, and cooked pasta. Toss in the fresh basil leaves – don’t skimp, the more, the better!
- Mix the balsamic dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the vinegars, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. If you’re using a mason jar with a well-fitting lid, you can simply add all of your dressing ingredients and give it a good shake. Drizzle some balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss everything until well-coated.
- Serve and enjoy: Divide the salad into 5 servings, or pack it up for meal prep. Drizzle with remaining dressing if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
445Fat
20 gCarbs
23 gProtein
44 g