Name: Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon dried basil; Kosher salt and pepper to taste; 1 pound spiral pasta, cooked; 12 to 16 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes, halved; 8 ounces fresh mozzarella (ciliegine), halved if desired; 1 large handful fresh basil (about ⅔ cup), chopped or chiffonade

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 48 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a bright, fresh, and totally satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a potluck, I’ve got you covered with this Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s effortless, bursting with classic Italian flavors, and surprisingly easy to make ahead — plus, it looks gorgeous on any table. Trust me, once you try this combo of juicy grilled chicken, ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil tossed with pasta and a tangy balsamic dressing, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Freshness in Every Bite: The combination of juicy grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, and basil delivers bright flavors that scream summertime.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Marinate, grill, and prep the components ahead of time for an easy assembly when you’re ready to eat.
Crowd-Pleaser: Easy to scale up for parties, potlucks, or family dinners — everyone loves it!
Versatile and Customizable: Swap pasta shapes, use different herbs, or add your favorite veggies to make it your own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe balances simple, fresh ingredients that come together in a harmony of flavors and textures — creamy mozzarella meets tangy balsamic, with fragrant basil and hearty grilled chicken rounding it out. Ready to get shopping? Here’s a quick tour of what you’re working with and why these choices shine.

Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe - Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean and tender, easy to grill and slice into perfect chunks.
Extra virgin olive oil: A quality olive oil adds richness and depth to the marinade and dressing.
Balsamic vinegar: The sweet acidity cuts through the richness and ties all the ingredients together.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic punches up the flavor in your marinade and dressing.
Dried basil: Adds Italian herb flavor to the marinade; fresh basil is reserved for brightness at the end.
Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors properly.
Spiral pasta: Fun shape that holds dressing well, but penne or other pasta you love work just fine.
Grape or cherry tomatoes: Juicy sweetness and a little pop of color — cut in half for perfect bite-size pieces.
Fresh mozzarella (ciliegine): These mini mozzarella balls keep things creamy and delicate — halved to match tomato size.
Fresh basil leaves: The star herb in any Caprese dish, adding a wonderful aromatic freshness.

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

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe is how flexible it is. I usually stick close to the classic ingredients, but I love tossing in a handful of baby arugula or swapping the chicken for grilled shrimp if I’m craving seafood. You can easily make this gluten-free by choosing your favorite GF pasta, and it’s a crowd-pleaser whether you prefer a light lunch or a hearty dinner.

Variation: I once added roasted red peppers and olives to give it a Mediterranean twist, and it was a total hit with friends.
Dietary tweak: For a vegetarian option, skip the chicken and add extra mozzarella and grilled veggies like zucchini or eggplant.
Seasonal swap: In winter, I use sun-dried tomatoes and fresh baby spinach to add warmth and color.

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

Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Step

Step 1: Marinate That Chicken

Start by placing your chicken breasts in a baking dish or a resealable bag. Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried basil, and a good pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Pour about a quarter cup of this marinade over the chicken, letting it soak up all those gorgeous Italian flavors. Don’t throw away the rest — this becomes your pasta salad dressing, so keep it chilled in the fridge. The longer you let the chicken marinate (think 30 minutes to overnight), the more flavor it will soak up. I usually prep mine the night before for max flavor.

Step 2: Fire Up Your Grill

Preheat your grill to high heat — that sizzle is the secret to juicy grilled chicken with that perfect char. Shake off the excess marinade (don’t pour it onto the grill!) and place the chicken on the hot grates. Grill about 5 to 6 minutes per side until the internal temperature hits 165°F. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, just cut into the thickest part to check the juices run clear. Let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes after grilling — this keeps it tender and juicy before slicing it into bite-sized chunks.

Step 3: Cook Your Pasta and Prep Veggies

While your chicken’s grilling, cook your pasta according to package instructions. I like spirals because the dressing and bits of mozzarella love to cling to the twists. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it off — plus, it keeps it from sticking together. Chop your grape tomatoes in halves and give that fresh basil a rough chop or a chiffonade (fancy word for thin strips). If you want to prep everything in advance, this is a great step to do the day before.

Step 4: Assemble Your Pasta Salad

Here’s where the fun begins. You can either layer your salad — starting with pasta, then chicken chunks, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and repeat — or just toss everything gently in a large bowl. Once combined, drizzle the reserved balsamic dressing over the top. If you’re making ahead, skip the fresh basil for now; add it just before serving so it stays bright and fresh.

Step 5: Serve or Chill ’Til Ready

Give everything a gentle toss and serve immediately for the freshest flavor. Or pop it in the fridge for up to a few hours before guests arrive — just remember to add in the basil last minute. This pasta salad holds up beautifully, which is why I love having it on hand for quick lunches or summer gatherings.

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

Marinate Overnight for Deep Flavor: The longer your chicken soaks in the marinade, the more tender and flavorful it becomes—don’t rush this step if you can avoid it.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer or check for clear juices to ensure juicy chicken that doesn’t dry out on the grill.
Cool Pasta Completely Before Tossing: Rinsing pasta with cold water stops the cooking and prevents it from clumping together in your salad.
Add Fresh Basil Last Minute: Basil wilts quickly when mixed too early, so add it just before serving to keep that fresh aroma intact.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe

Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this salad with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving to give it a little extra crunch. Sometimes, I add a drizzle of high-quality aged balsamic for even more tangy sweetness or fresh cracked black pepper for a subtle kick. A few whole basil leaves scattered on top not only look beautiful but amp up the herbal freshness.

Side Dishes

This pasta salad is hearty enough to be a main dish, but if you want to round out your meal, I often serve it alongside grilled garlic bread or a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette. For summer cookouts, grilled veggies like zucchini and bell peppers make a perfect pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to layer the ingredients in a clear glass bowl or trifle dish so your guests can see all the vivid colors. Another fun idea is serving the pasta salad mason jar style for picnics or casual lunches—you get a beautiful presentation and portion control all in one!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When storing leftovers, keep your Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you can, add the fresh basil only when you’re ready to eat to keep the salad looking and tasting fresh. I recommend giving it a gentle toss and, if needed, a small splash of olive oil or reserved dressing to brighten it up before serving again.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this pasta salad because fresh mozzarella and basil lose their texture and flavor when frozen. Plus, the salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to prep the grilled chicken separately and freeze it, that works well—just thaw and add to freshly cooked pasta and fresh ingredients.

Reheating

Since this is a cold pasta salad, reheating isn’t typically necessary. However, if you’ve kept the chicken separate, I like reheating it gently in a pan or microwave, then adding it back to the chilled pasta salad right before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh mozzarella is classic for Caprese, but you can experiment with burrata for extra creaminess or even feta for a tangier twist. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will change the overall texture and flavor a bit.
Is it better to grill the chicken or cook it another way?

Grilling adds a fantastic smoky flavor and nice char that pairs beautifully with the fresh ingredients, but if you don’t have a grill, pan-searing or baking the chicken works fine too. Just watch your cooking times carefully to keep it juicy.
Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! Swap the chicken for grilled tofu or chickpeas and replace mozzarella with vegan cheese or omit it altogether. You can add extra veggies or nuts for protein and texture.
How far ahead can I prepare this pasta salad?

You can prep and marinate the chicken and cook the pasta a day or two in advance. Assemble the salad a few hours before serving, but wait to add the fresh basil until right before you eat for the best flavor and color.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe has become one of my favorite weeknight staples because it brings together simple flavors in a way that feels fancy but is totally approachable. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, hosting friends, or just craving something light and satisfying, you really can’t go wrong here. I hope you love making it as much as I do — it’s the kind of recipe I always recommend to my friends because it’s just so darn good and reliable. Now, grab some fresh basil, fire up your grill, and enjoy a little taste of Italy at home!