Balsamic Chicken and Bacon Pasta Salad

Name: Balsamic Chicken and Bacon Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb farfalle (bowtie) pasta; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, grilled and cubed; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls (ciliegine); 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1/2 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; salt, to taste; black pepper, to taste

This balsamic chicken and bacon pasta salad combines tender grilled chicken, crispy bacon, fresh mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes in a simple homemade balsamic vinaigrette. It's a satisfying, protein-packed dish that works as a main course or side for summer cookouts.

🌍American 🏷️Pasta salad 🏷️Chicken 🏷️Bacon 🏷️Summer salad Balsamic vinaigrette

🏷️

🏷️Mozzarella

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TikTok

Total

35 min

Servings

6

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$23–$38

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

1 lb farfalle (bowtie) pasta
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, grilled and cubed
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls (ciliegine)
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp Dijon mustardoptional
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste

12 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside to cool.
2
While pasta cooks, prepare the other ingredients: grill and cube the chicken, cook and crumble the bacon, halve the cherry tomatoes, and chop the basil.
3
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta.
5
Add the cubed grilled chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, crumbled bacon, and chopped fresh basil to the bowl.
6
Pour the prepared balsamic vinaigrette over the salad ingredients.
7
Toss everything together until well combined.
8
Serve immediately or chill for later.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Grill chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F, then let it rest 5 minutes before cubing to retain juices and ensure tenderness.
Cook bacon until crisp but not brittle so it stays crunchable when mixed into the salad; drain on paper towels to remove excess fat.
Whisk the balsamic vinaigrette (oil, vinegar, honey, mustard) in a separate bowl before tossing to emulsify and coat every piece evenly.
Dress the pasta while still slightly warm so it absorbs more flavor; add mozzarella and basil just before serving to prevent them from becoming soft or bruised.

Substitutions

Farfalle → Penne or rotini (similar cooking time and sauce-catching shape)
Fresh mozzarella pearls → Feta cheese or cherry-sized fresh burrata (different flavor but equally creamy)
Balsamic vinegar → Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar (use same amount; flavor will be slightly sharper)
Fresh basil → Fresh oregano or parsley (use same amount; avoid dried basil as it can turn bitter)

Storage & make-ahead

Cover and refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days; toss with a splash of olive oil and balsamic vinegar before serving, as the pasta absorbs dressing over time.

Common Questions

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes. Cook the pasta and let it cool completely, then toss with all ingredients except basil 2–4 hours before serving. Add basil just before serving to keep it fresh. Store covered in the refrigerator.

How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

Cook farfalle 1–2 minutes under the package directions until just al dente, then rinse with cold water and drain well. This stops carryover cooking and keeps the texture firm.

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of grilling?

Yes. Shred or cube 2–3 cups of rotisserie chicken (about 1½ lbs) and substitute it directly. The flavor will be slightly different but equally delicious.

How should I store leftovers?

Cover and refrigerate up to 3 days. Toss with a splash of olive oil and balsamic vinegar before serving, as the pasta absorbs dressing over time.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Omit the mozzarella pearls or replace with dairy-free mozzarella. The salad works well without cheese, relying on the bacon and vinaigrette for richness.