Ladies, I could NOTTT get this recipe on the blog to fast enough to share with you. I LOVEš spring lunches. You know, the ones that feel light, fresh, and effortlessš±ābut still pack enough flavor to make you look forward to mealtime. Enter: Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad. This little beauty is the perfect balance of fresh veggies, creamy mozzarella, and tender grilled chicken, all tied together with a tangy balsamic glaze.
Itās simple, satisfying, and totally spring. Whether youāre meal-prepping for the week or whipping it up for a family lunch, this recipe is a winner. Fat loss friendly – it packs tons of metabolism-boosting protein, good fats, and quality carbs.
The best part? Itās quick, easy, and totally adjustable if youāre cooking for more people (or just want leftovers, because trust me, youāll want them).
Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
What Youāll Need (1 Serving):
- 1 oz bow tie pasta, dry
- 1/2 shallot, diced
- 8 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 35g mini mozzarella pearls
- 1 tsp oil
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar
- Italian seasoning (as much or as little as you like!)
- Parsley (fresh is best, but dried works too)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 4 oz grilled chicken (make this ahead to save time!)
- 1 tsp balsamic glaze
How to Make It:
- Grill Your Chicken: Start by grilling your chicken ahead of time. This makes everything come together so much faster when you’re ready to assemble.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil your bow tie pasta until itās al dente. Donāt overcook itāwe want a little bite to it! Once itās done, drain and let it cool.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together the shallot, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, oil, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, parsley, salt, and pepper. Toss everything until itās well combined.
- Add the Chicken: Slice or dice your grilled chicken and mix it into the pasta salad.
- Drizzle the Glaze: Top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and either mix it all together or keep it on top for a pretty presentation.
- Enjoy! Or, if youāre meal prepping, portion everything out into containers for the week.
Pro Tips for Success:
- Meal Prep Like a Boss: This recipe multiplies like a dream. I made 4 servings for lunches this week, and itās been a game-changer for my packed schedule. Just 4x the ingredients, and youāre set!
- Keep it Cool: Let your pasta cool completely before adding the other ingredients. Warm pasta + mozzarella = a melty mess (unless thatās your thing, in which case, go for it!).
- Balsamic Glaze Magic: Donāt skip this step! The balsamic glaze ties everything together with just the right amount of sweetness and tang.
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving):
- Calories: 460
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 34g
- Protein: 46g
I canāt tell you how much I am lovinggg this recipe. Itās fresh, itās flavorful, and it feels like a little taste of spring in every bite (I’ve been eating it outside as it has warmed up slightly in Arkansas). Plus, itās packed with protein to keep you full and satisfied all afternoon.
If you make it, let me know! Iād love to hear how you like it (and bonus points for food picsātag me on Instagram at @balancebyhilary).
Enjoy, babes!
XO,
Hilary
ā¤ļøāš„Your Goal Body Guide
