Description
A refreshing and flavorful Grilled Chicken Bruschetta Pasta Salad, perfect for a gluten-free diet.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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