Main Dishescarlsbadcravings5.0
Cold Chicken and Pasta Salad
This classy chicken pasta salad is sure to impress with its tantalizing twist on bruschetta! It's a quick and easy lunch, dinner or potluck favorite with a cook time of less than 15 minutes AND it's prep ahead friendly. This chicken pasta salad recipe will fill you up without weighing you down with a fresh, hypnotic blend of tangy balsamic, herbaceous basil and aromatic garlic with bright pops of tomatoes, juicy balsamic chicken, nutty Parmesan, buttery mozzarella and a sprinkling of crunchy croutons.
👥 8 Servings👤 Jen📖 carlsbadcravings
🥘 Ingredients
Check off ingredients as you prepare them:
🍳 Cookware
- bowl
- whisk
- pan
- skillet
📝 Preparation Steps
1
Marinate chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Balsamic Vinaigrette ingredients. Transfer 2 tablespoons to a freezer size bag or bowl with the chicken (chopped raw breasts or cooked shredded chicken). Marinate at room temperature for ⏱️ 15-30 minutes or in the refrigerator for up to ⏱️ 4 hours. Store the remaining vinaigrette separately ("Reserved Vinaigrette").
2
Cook pasta: Meanwhile, cook pasta al dente according to package directions in generously salted water. Drain and rinse the pasta, then transfer to a large bowl. Drizzle with one tablespoon of the Reserved Vinaigrette to prevent the pasta from sticking together; set aside.
3
Cook chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add chicken (discard marinade) and cook until cooked, flipping halfway through. Remove from the pan using a slotted spoon to the pasta; don't wipe out the skillet.
olive oil1 tablespooncup extra virgin olive oil1/3
4
Sauté aromatics: Add the red onions and garlic and cook for ⏱️ 2 minutes; transfer to the pasta so it doesn't continue to cook.
red onion, (chopped)1/2
5
Combine: Add the tomatoes, mozzarella, Parmesan and basil to the pasta salad. Only add the vinaigrette when ready to serve. (This is one pasta salad best served immediately after combining. If not serving immediately, keep the vinaigrette and pasta separate). When ready to serve, drizzle with vinaigrette and top with crushed croutons.
6
Adjust to taste: Taste and season with additional salt, pepper and/or red pepper flakes to taste. Balsamic can vary in strength and tanginess, so season with additional balsamic or honey to taste if desired. Serve immediately.
honey1 tablespoon
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