Nani's Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad
This bright and hearty pasta salad combines all the best flavors of a classic caprese with chicken and bacon for a complete meal.
recipesbynani.comThere is something so wonderful about a meal that feels like sunshine in a bowl. This salad is one of my absolute favorites because it brings together fresh basil, creamy mozzarella, and juicy tomatoes with just enough savory chicken and crispy bacon to make it filling.
It is the perfect dish to bring to a summer picnic or to keep in the fridge for a quick lunch. My best tip is to use the best quality olive oil you have on hand, as the simple dressing really lets the fresh ingredients shine through.
🧺 Ingredients
- 16 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed
- 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
👩🍳Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente.
- 2
Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process, then drain it well again.
- 3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chicken, bacon, tomatoes, and mozzarella.
- 4
Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze over the mixture.
- 5
Add the salt and pepper, then toss everything together gently until it is well coated.
- 6
Fold in the fresh basil leaves right before serving so they stay bright and fragrant.
💡 Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. If the pasta absorbs the dressing, just add a small splash of olive oil before you serve it again to wake up the flavors.
Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.
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