Caprese Pasta Salad

Name: Caprese Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 5 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (7.75 oz) box classic pasta salad mix; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1/4 cup pesto; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (pearls or ciliegine); 1/2 cup red onion, diced; 1 lb grilled chicken breast, cooked and cubed; Salt, to taste

This Caprese Pasta Salad combines boxed pasta salad mix with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, and grilled chicken for a protein-packed, meal-prep-friendly dish that comes together in minutes.

🌍American 🏷️Caprese pasta salad 🏷️Chicken pasta salad 🏷️Meal prep 🏷️Easy recipe High protein

🏷️

🏷️Pesto pasta salad

-0:00

jackiehartlaubonTikTok

Total

27 min

Servings

5

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$20–$33

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by jackiehartlaub

-0:00

jackiehartlaubonTikTok

Ingredients

1 (7.75 oz) box classic pasta salad mix
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup pesto
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (pearls or ciliegine)
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1 lb grilled chicken breast, cooked and cubedoptional
Salt, to taste

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Instructions

1
Cook the pasta from the boxed mix according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2
In a small bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes with balsamic vinegar and a pinch of salt. Set aside to marinate.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the seasoning packet from the mix, pesto, and olive oil. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
4
Add the marinated cherry tomatoes, chopped fresh basil, mozzarella balls, and diced red onion to the bowl.
5
If using, add the cubed grilled chicken.
6
Toss everything together until well combined. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Cook the boxed pasta salad mix according to package directions, then cool completely before adding fresh ingredients to prevent mozzarella from melting.
Halve cherry tomatoes and let them sit with a pinch of salt for 5 minutes before mixing to release excess moisture and prevent a watery salad.
Toss gently when combining ingredients to keep mozzarella pearls intact and prevent the pasta from breaking down.
Add dressing (pesto, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar) just before serving or store separately for better texture and flavor control.

Substitutions

Fresh basil → dried basil (use 1 tbsp; add with dressing rather than fresh)
Fresh mozzarella pearls → cubed feta cheese or provolone (adds tanginess)
Balsamic vinegar → red wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice (lighter flavor)
Pesto → sun-dried tomato paste or Italian dressing (different herbaceous profile)

Storage & make-ahead

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; add fresh basil just before serving and refresh with extra pesto or olive oil if the salad dries out.

Common Questions

Can I make this Caprese Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble all ingredients except the fresh basil up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and stir in chopped basil just before serving to prevent wilting.

Can I use a different protein instead of grilled chicken?

Yes. Grilled shrimp, white beans, chickpeas, or diced turkey breast work well as high-protein alternatives.

What if I don't have fresh mozzarella?

Substitute with cubed regular mozzarella, provolone, or fresh burrata cheese for a similar creamy texture.

How long does this salad stay fresh?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb dressing over time, so add extra pesto or olive oil before serving if needed.