If you’re looking for a pasta salad that’s anything but ordinary, you’ve got to try this Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s packed with juicy grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, vibrant tomatoes, and that irresistible basil-balsamic dressing. Seriously, it’s one of those recipes that instantly turns an everyday meal into something a little magical—and I can’t wait to share it with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh Flavor Explosion: Between the basil, juicy tomatoes, and mozzarella, each bite bursts with classic Caprese vibes.
Perfectly Grilled Chicken: Marinating and grilling the chicken adds savory depth and keeps it tender and moist.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the chicken and pasta in advance, making this a fantastic option for easy entertaining.
Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: It’s easy to adjust for what you have on hand or preferences, guaranteed to satisfy friends and family alike.

Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad, Caprese pasta salad, chicken pasta salad, Mediterranean pasta salad, easy pasta salad recipes - A clear glass bowl filled with a pasta salad showing multiple layers and colors: the base layer is creamy light yellow rotini pasta spirals, mixed evenly with bright red and orange cherry tomato halves, whole small white mozzarella balls, and browned grilled chicken chunks. Fresh green basil leaves are scattered over the top, and cracked black pepper is sprinkled throughout, giving dark specks on the light ingredients. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a small glass dish containing a dark brown dressing in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe is in the simple, fresh ingredients that work brilliantly together. The combination of basil, mozzarella, and tomatoes makes for that classic Caprese flavor, while the grilled chicken adds hearty protein. Choosing quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar really makes the dressing shine—grab your favorite brands here!

Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad, Caprese pasta salad, chicken pasta salad, Mediterranean pasta salad, easy pasta salad recipes - Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts raw and fresh, a small white ceramic bowl with extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with balsamic vinegar, four whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl with dried basil, a small white ceramic bowl with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, cooked spiral pasta cooled and fluffed, a white ceramic plate with halved grape tomatoes fresh and vibrant, a white ceramic plate with halved fresh ciliegine mozzarella balls, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fresh green basil leaves whole and chiffonade, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Chicken breasts grill quickly and soak up the marinade perfectly, staying juicy when cooked right.
Extra virgin olive oil: Use a good quality one—it makes a huge difference in your dressing’s flavor.
Balsamic vinegar: Adds a subtle tang and sweetness that balances the richness of the cheese and chicken.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic boosts the aroma and gives the dressing a nice kick.
Dried basil: Enhances the Caprese experience alongside fresh basil.
Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning all components just right.
Spiral pasta: I like spirals because they hold onto dressing well, but penne or farfalle work great too.
Grape or cherry tomatoes: Sweet, juicy, and easy to pop in your mouth—halving them releases even more flavor.
Fresh mozzarella (ciliegine balls preferred): These small mozzarella balls have just the right creaminess and size for even distribution.
Fresh basil: The star herb that adds vibrant freshness and wonderful aroma.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe is—whether you want to keep it light or turn it into a heartier dish, it’s really your call. Sometimes I toss in a handful of arugula for some peppery bite, or swap out balsamic vinegar for a sweeter glaze if I’m serving it to kids.

Add Avocado: One time, I diced some creamy avocado on top, and it was an unexpected hit; it added buttery texture that balanced the acidity beautifully.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and toss in grilled zucchini or eggplant instead for a satisfying meatless meal.
Mediterranean Twist: Throw in some kalamata olives or roasted red peppers to jazz things up.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to keep this recipe safe for anyone avoiding gluten.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken Like a Pro

Start by whisking together your olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried basil, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. This marinade is the secret star of the dish—it infuses the chicken with robust flavor. I usually get the chicken breasts nestled in a baking dish or resealable bag, then pour about a quarter cup of the marinade over them. Reserve the rest because that’s going to be your pasta salad dressing later. Then, toss the chicken in the fridge to soak up all that goodness—at least 30 minutes, but overnight if you can.

Step 2: Grill to Juicy Perfection

When you’re ready, preheat your grill to high heat—this helps get those beautiful grill marks and seals in the juices. Toss the chicken directly on the grill, letting any excess marinade drip off before it hits the grates. Grill for about 5 to 6 minutes a side, or until the internal temp hits 165°F (check with a meat thermometer if you have one). Then, let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes to keep it nice and juicy before chopping it into bite-size pieces.

Step 3: Cook & Prep the Pasta and Veggies

While the chicken’s grilling, boil your pasta according to package instructions—spirals are my go-to because they catch all that dressing and flavor so well. Feel free to use penne or another shape you prefer. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down for the salad. Chop your tomatoes and chiffonade that basil while you’re at it—this makes assembling everything a breeze.

Step 4: Assemble & Dress Your Salad

Time to put it all together! You can layer the pasta, grilled chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil to create pretty, colorful layers. I personally like layering because it looks so inviting, but tossing everything in a large bowl works just as great. Once assembled, drizzle your reserved marinade dressing evenly over the salad and toss gently to coat every bit.

Step 5: Serve or Store with Care

You can serve immediately for the freshest taste, or pop the salad in the fridge until needed. If you’re making this ahead, I recommend holding off on adding the fresh basil until just before serving so its bright flavor doesn’t fade.

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

Marinate Overnight: Don’t rush the marinade—overnight makes the chicken juicier and infuses deeper flavor, trust me.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Avoid dry chicken by checking for 165°F internal temperature instead of guessing by time.
Chill the Pasta: Rinsing pasta in cold water stops it from overcooking and helps it soak up dressing better without getting mushy.
Add Basil at the End: Fresh basil wilts quickly—add it last to keep its vibrant green color and lively flavor.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad, Caprese pasta salad, chicken pasta salad, Mediterranean pasta salad, easy pasta salad recipes - Three grilled chicken pieces sit close together in the center of a textured white tray. Each piece shows clear, dark brown grill marks, contrasting with the light golden brown of the cooked chicken. The meat looks juicy with slight caramelized spots on the surface, and some small dark charred edges add texture. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

When I serve this salad, I love a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a few twists of freshly cracked black pepper right on top. For an extra touch, adding a drizzle of good-quality aged balsamic glaze never fails to impress—it gives that sweet, tangy finish that’s irresistible.

Side Dishes

This pasta salad plays well with simple sides like crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette. When I’m hosting a summer BBQ, I pair it with grilled veggies or fresh watermelon slices—it’s a perfect balance between hearty and refreshing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a picnic or potluck, I like serving this salad in a big, clear glass bowl so those beautiful layers pop visually. Another fun way is to stuff it inside hollowed-out tomatoes or add it to individual mason jars—makes serving and transport super easy and charming for parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container, usually tossing the salad lightly before serving to redistribute the dressing. It holds up well for up to 2 days, though it’s best fresh. Just remember to add fresh basil again after storing to revive the flavor.

Freezing

This salad isn’t the best candidate for freezing due to fresh mozzarella and basil, which can change texture and flavor. I recommend enjoying it fresh or within a couple of days refrigerated.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the chicken warm the next day, simply remove it from the salad, gently heat it in a skillet or microwave, and then toss it back in with the room temperature pasta salad. This way, the fresh veggies and cheese stay cool and delicious.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While grilling adds extra smoky flavor, using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that saves time without sacrificing much taste. Just shred or chop the chicken and toss it into the salad with the dressing.
How do I keep the pasta salad from getting soggy?

Rinse the cooked pasta under cold water to stop cooking and then dry it well before tossing with dressing. Also, add fresh basil right before serving to prevent wilting. Storing the dressing separately until serving can help too.
Can this recipe be made vegan?

Yes! Swap out the chicken for grilled tofu or chickpeas and use a vegan mozzarella substitute or leave out the cheese entirely. The dressing is naturally vegan-friendly, so it’s easy to adapt.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe is one of those dishes I come back to time and again—it’s simple, bright, and always a hit whether you’re feeding the family or entertaining guests. The blend of fresh ingredients with that savory grilled chicken makes for a meal that feels special without the fuss. I hope you give it a try soon and enjoy all the flavors and little personal touches as much as I do!