There’s something truly special about a bowl of Grilled Chicken Bruschetta Pasta Salad. It brings together juicy grilled chicken, fresh tomatoes, and a splash of balsamic that not only tastes amazing but also fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.
It fixes rushed weeknight dinners by delivering a protein-packed, portable salad with ingredients you already have, cutting prep time and reducing kitchen waste.
I know how tricky pasta salads can be, especially when you worry about the pasta being overcooked or bland. This recipe is a lifesaver. With clear cooking times and a tangy dressing, you won’t have to fret about whether your dish will turn out boring.
This meal is not only easy but also quick to whip up. In just 30 minutes, you can have a colorful bowl filled with bright summer veggies and zesty flavors. Plus, it’s super flexible, feel free to toss in some mozzarella or whatever you have on hand.
If you love pasta salads that are fresh and engaging, you’re gonna want to give this a try. If you want something different by the way, you might enjoy this Vegetarian Smoky Chipotle Black Bean Pasta Salad.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Flavorful This salad features grilled chicken paired with classic bruschetta ingredients. The fresh tomatoes and basil bring a light, summery taste that’s hard to beat.
- Quick to Whip Up You can have this delicious pasta salad ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those times when you want something tasty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
- Chill or Serve Warm You can enjoy it however you like! Serve it warm right after making it, or chill it for a refreshing dish later.
- Convenient Storage Leftovers are easy to store in the fridge for up to 3 days. It tastes just as good the next day, making it a great option for meal prep.
Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing and flavorful Grilled Chicken Bruschetta Pasta Salad, perfect for a gluten-free diet.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) gluten-free pasta
- 11/2 teaspoon (5ml) olive oil
- 1 pound (450g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups (600g) tomatoes, seeded and diced
- 1/3 cup (50g) red onion, diced
- 1/3 cup (10g) fresh basil, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces (227g) fresh mozzarella, diced (optional)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Cook & Cool Pasta: Start by boiling water in a pot and adding in your gluten-free pasta. Cook until al dente, meaning it has a little bite. After cooking, cool off the pasta quickly to prevent sticking, and do not skip the olive oil as it will help keep it from clumping together.
- Grill Chicken to Perfection: Get your grill nice and hot before placing the thin chicken breasts on it. Let the delicious scent float up as the chicken cooks, flipping once. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, and avoid dryness by using a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- Chop & Mix Ingredients: Once the grilled chicken has cooled, chop it into bite-sized pieces. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken with your diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and red onion. Stir everything gently to avoid mashing the tomatoes.
- Dress & Toss Salad: Drizzle your balsamic vinaigrette over the mixture in the bowl and toss everything together well. Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Ensure all ingredients are combined to maximize the taste.
- Serve & Enjoy: Scoop the pasta salad into individual bowls, and add additional salt or pepper if desired. Present it fresh to enjoy the vibrant flavors at their best.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Expert Tips: Mix the pasta with olive oil immediately after draining to prevent it from sticking together.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is juicy and cooked through.
- If your salad lacks flavor, let it marinate for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat the salad gently if desired. You may warm in the microwave in 30-second intervals until just warmed through.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread for a more filling meal or pair with a light white wine to complement the flavors. Garnish with extra basil and parmesan for an appealing presentation.
- Recipe Variations: Add grilled vegetables for an extra flavor and nutrient boost. Replace chicken with chickpeas for a vegetarian protein source. Include a splash of lemon juice during mixing for added brightness.
- Ingredient Notes: When selecting gluten-free pasta, choose brands that guarantee no gluten contamination to ensure safety. If using fresh mozzarella, dice it small so it blends nicely with the other ingredients and enhances texture throughout the salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 263
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 262mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 42mg
Recipe Tips
- If pasta is sticky after cooking, quickly cool it and toss it with olive oil to keep it from clumping.
- When grilling chicken, use a meat thermometer to ensure juiciness; aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.
- If your salad seems bland, let it marinate for about 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- For a gluten-free option, look for pasta brands that specifically guarantee no gluten contamination to ensure safety.
- If you’re using fresh mozzarella, dice it small to blend nicely with the other ingredients and enhance texture throughout the salad.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the salad with crusty bread for a more filling experience. A light white wine complements the salad well and adds freshness.
This salad serves as a base for other dishes like wraps or grain bowls. You can toss in grilled vegetables or legumes for variations.
Add extra basil and parmesan as a garnish to enhance presentation. A drizzle of balsamic glaze offers a tangy finish to the meal.
Recipe variations
- You can use cooked quinoa instead of pasta for a gluten-free option that’s packed with protein and fiber.
- Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 tablespoon of dried Italian herbs to the dressing for a flavor boost.
- Either swap the mozzarella for feta cheese or add roasted red peppers for a tangy twist.
- If making for a larger group, scale up the ingredients to 1.5 times the original amount to serve about 8 people.
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How to Store?
To keep your grilled chicken bruschetta pasta salad fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve cold for best flavor.
Freezing: Place salad in a freezer bag, remove excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Fresh Ingredients: Store ingredients like tomatoes and basil separately in the fridge, adding them just before serving for optimal taste.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Roasted Tomato Burrata
- Tomato Olive Tapenade Pasta Salad
- Pickled Jalapeno Pasta Salad
- Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Orzo Salad
If you enjoyed this Grilled Chicken Bruschetta Pasta Salad
or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
