Description
A fresh and flavorful Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Salad made with juicy grilled chicken, ripe tomatoes, basil, and a balsamic glaze tossed with al dente pasta. Perfect for meal prep, summer picnics, or a quick, healthy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
For the Bruschetta Mix:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, diced
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta Salad:
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
- ¼ cup balsamic glaze
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup mozzarella pearls (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cool water. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Bruschetta Mix
- In a mixing bowl, combine diced cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and minced garlic.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Season with salt and pepper, then mix well. Set aside to marinate.
3. Cook the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and balsamic vinegar.
- Coat the chicken with the seasoning mixture.
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature should be 165°F).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
4. Assemble the Pasta Salad
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, bruschetta mix, and sliced chicken.
- Add balsamic glaze, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella pearls (if using).
- Gently toss until everything is well combined.
5. Final Touches & Serving
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add extra balsamic glaze or Parmesan if desired.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
Notes
Recipe Notes:
- For best results, let the bruschetta mix marinate for 15 minutes before adding it to the salad.
- This pasta salad can be served warm, chilled, or at room temperature.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Gluten-free pasta can be used as a substitute.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired