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OMG! Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad - SO Fresh & Flavorful! Caprese chicken pasta salad: craft this incredibly flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. A vibrant,

OMG! Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad - SO Fresh & Flavorful!

Caprese chicken pasta salad: craft this incredibly flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. A vibrant, easy recipe combining fresh ingredients.
Prep Time 17 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 6
Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 shallot, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken tenders
  • 1 pound short cut pasta

Instructions
 

  • To make the dressing: Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, shallot, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes in a glass jar and whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.
  • In a bowl, toss the chicken tenders with 1/3 of the dressing. Let sit for 10 minutes or marinate up to overnight. Set your grill, grill pan, or skillet to medium-high heat.
  • Grill the chicken until lightly charred and cooked through, turning halfway through cooking, about 8-10 minutes.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the pasta to al dente, according to package directions. Drain.
  • Add the pasta, grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and avocado to a large salad bowl. Pour over the remaining dressing and toss well to combine.
  • Serve warm or cold. The salad will develop more flavor as it sits.

Notes

- For the most flavorful chicken, marinate the caprese chicken tenders for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, in the dressing.
- Ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safely cooked through. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- This caprese chicken pasta salad stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it excellent for meal prep.
Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.
Keyword caprese chicken