Looking for a fresh and filling summer pasta salad that’s perfect for meal prep, backyard BBQs, or quick lunches? This chicken caprese pasta salad checks all the boxes—it’s packed with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and tender rotisserie chicken, all tossed in a bold balsamic vinegar dressing.

Think of it as a dreamy mashup between your favorite Italian pasta salad and a classic tomato mozzarella salad, layered into the ultimate high protein lunch bowl.

Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a high protein, healthy pasta salad recipe that actually fills you up
• Made with simple ingredients and done in 20 minutes = real simple
• Ideal as a cold pasta salad with chicken for summer lunches
• Great for picnic salad ideas, potlucks, or a no-heat dinner option
• One of the best rotisserie chicken recipes to make ahead and enjoy all week

Ingredients:

• 200g cooked pasta (we love rotini for this)

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• ½ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced

• 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken

• 100g mini mozzarella balls

For the Balsamic Pasta Salad Dressing:

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 tsp sugar

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp dried thyme

• ¼ tsp dried oregano

 How to Make This Easy Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad

1. Cook and cool your pasta (this is a great use for leftovers).

2. In a large bowl, mix pasta with tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and rotisserie chicken.

3. Whisk together the balsamic vinegar dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar.

4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything’s coated.

5. Chill for 15–30 minutes, then serve in bowls or store for later!

This is one of those easy pasta salad recipes you’ll want to keep on repeat—delicious warm or cold, perfect for layering in meal prep bowls, and flexible enough to customize however you like. Whether you call it a caprese pasta salad, mozzarella pasta salad, or just your new favorite lunch, you’re going to love every bite.

Try this layered grilled-style bowl for your next picnic or lunch prep and tag your creations—I’d love to see your twist on this easy summer classic!

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Yield: 4

Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad

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This chicken caprese pasta salad is your new go-to for summer picnics and meal prep! Made with rotisserie chicken, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and balsamic dressing—it's light, fresh, and full of flavor.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

For the balsamic dressing

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp dried oregano

For the pasta salad

• 200g cooked pasta (I love rotini for this)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
• 100g mini mozzarella balls

Instructions

1. Cook and cool your pasta (this is a great use for leftover cooked pasta).
   
2. In a large bowl, mix pasta with tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and rotisserie chicken.
   
3. Whisk together the balsamic vinegar dressing ingredients in a small bowl or jar.
   
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything’s coated.
   
5. Chill for 15–30 minutes, then serve in bowls or store for later!
   

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 413Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 89mgSodium: 673mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 24g