Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Salad is one of those easy meals that feels fresh, flavorful, and perfect for busy days. If you love simple dinners that come together quickly but still taste delicious, this recipe is such a good one to keep on repeat. It has all the classic bruschetta flavors-juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, tender chicken, and mozzarella.
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EASY BRUSCHETTA CHICKEN PASTA SALAD
Summer time calls for easy & delicious pasta salads! This Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Salad is light, refreshing, and full of vibrant flavors. I love making this during warmer months when I want something lighter but still filling for lunch or meal prep.
It also is great for any summer holiday cookouts! This is the pasta salad that gets requested the most for any summer holiday party or cookout! Plus, the prep is minimal, making it a realistic option for busy moms who still want something homemade and packed with flavor. If you love this recipe, you need to try my Hot Honey Pizza Pasta Salad.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS BRUSCHETTA CHICKEN PASTA SALAD
Quick & Easy: This easy meal idea can be made in less than 30 minutes, which makes it a great easy option for those busy summer days with your family. Great for meal prep, or an easy lunch option.
Delicious: The classic flavors of a bruschetta appetizer all combined into this easy pasta salad. This recipe has the perfect combination of juicy tomatoes, basil, tender chicken, mozzarella, and pasta tossed together in a flavorful dressing. It is always a top request for any summer cookout.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients, this is a great budget-friendly dinner option that is great for leftovers.
INGREDIENTS
- Chicken: I used cooked chicken breast for this recipe because it keeps prep quick and easy. However, rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken are great options as well and add plenty of flavor.
- Vegetables: cherry tomatoes, basil, and garlic bring the vibrant, classic bruschetta flavors to this pasta salad.
- Cheese: Mozzarella pearls bring a creamy, fresh flavor, while grated parmesan adds a salty, cheesy finish.
- Pasta: Farfalle (bowtie pasta) works perfectly for this recipe because it holds onto the dressing well and adds great texture to every bite. However, rotini or penne can also be substituted if needed.
HOW TO MAKE BRUSCHETTA CHICKEN PASTA SALAD
First, In a mixing bowl or gallon size ziploc bag, marinate chicken with ingredients listed for a minimum of 30 minutes for full flavor. Cook chicken breast thoroughly until it reaches internal temp of 165 degrees. let it rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting cooked chicken.
While chicken is marinating, begin cooking pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. I recommend not overcooking the pasta to prevent it from being mushy.
After cooking the pasta, drain it and run cool water over it for a few minutes to cool it down and stop the cooking process.
For the dressing, combine ingredients listed above and set aside.
In a large serving bowl, add pasta, sliced chicken, mozzarella pearls, chopped basil, and cherry tomatoes.
Add additional grated parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs on top. combine and serve!
optional: add balsamic glaze and flakey salt on top for added flavor.
TIPS AND TRICKS
Pasta: When cooking pasta, it is best not to overcook the pasta to prevent it from being mushy. Ideally, you do not want to run cold water over cooked pasta. However, for pasta salads, it is best to run cold water over the pasta to stop the cooking process.
Serving: This bruschetta chicken pasta salad tastes delicious served cold or at room temperature. However, I do not recommend leaving it out of refrigerator for extended period of time. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
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Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Salad
Equipment
- 1 medium cooking pan
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 large pot to cook pasta
Ingredients
Vinegarette Dressing
- ⅔ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Chicken Marinade
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- salt & pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper optional
Additional Ingredients
- 10 oz mozzarella pearls
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoon bread crumbs
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 12 oz farafelle protein dry pasta shells
- 2 lb chicken breast
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl or gallon size ziploc bag, marinate chicken with ingredients listed for a minimum of 30 minutes for full flavor. Cook chicken breast thoroughly until it reaches internal temp of 165 degrees. let it rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting cooked chicken.
- While chicken is marinating, begin cooking pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. I recommend not overcooking the pasta to prevent it from being mushy.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain pasta and run under cool water for a few minutes to stop the cooking process.
- For the dressing, combine ingredients listed above and set aside.
- In a large serving bowl, add pasta, sliced chicken, mozzarella pearls, chopped basil, and cherry tomatoes.
- Add additional grated parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs on top. combine and serve!
- optional: add balsamic glaze and flakey salt on top for added flavor.
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