Easy Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Introduction
Looking for a meal that’s light, flavorful, and simple to prepare? This Easy Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette checks every box. With juicy grilled chicken, tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and a tangy homemade balsamic vinaigrette, this recipe is a breeze to whip up and sure to please even picky eaters. It’s the perfect dish for picnics, meal prepping, or a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels like a treat without the fuss.
Why this Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad Stands Out
This recipe shines thanks to the harmony of smoky, marinated chicken, colorful veggies, and an irresistible vinaigrette. The balsamic dressing ties everything together with a sweet-and-savory zing, elevating simple ingredients into a wholesome, restaurant-quality salad. Plus, flexibility abounds—you can easily swap out veggies or pasta types to suit your taste or the contents of your fridge.
How to Grill Perfect Chicken for Salad
Marinate boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a mix of olive oil, garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper for 20-30 minutes. Grill over medium-high heat until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and gets those gorgeous grill marks—about 5 to 7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Let the chicken rest before slicing it thin to keep it juicy and easy to mix with pasta and veggies.
Crafting a Quick and Flavorful Balsamic Vinaigrette
A homemade vinaigrette takes just minutes and makes this salad shine. Simply whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, a touch of Dijon mustard, and honey for sweetness. A bit of salt and black pepper bring everything into balance. This dressing not only perks up your pasta salad but can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for busy weeks.
Serving and Customizing Your Pasta Salad
Serve this salad cold or at room temperature. Add extras like feta cheese, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted peppers for even more flavor. It’s also a complete meal in itself but pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a simple soup. This salad is especially convenient for meal prepping—enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or a quick grab-and-go snack.
Nutritional Information and Servings
This recipe serves 4 generous portions. Each serving provides lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a balanced and satisfying option for any meal. Precise nutrition will vary based on pasta type and add-ins, but each serving generally contains around 350-400 calories for a hearty, guilt-free plate.
Ingredients
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Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water; set aside.
- In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts in the marinade and let sit for 20–30 minutes if time allows.
- Preheat your grill (or grill pan) over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, until cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and sliced grilled chicken. Add feta cheese and herbs if using.
- Whisk together all vinaigrette ingredients until well blended. Pour over salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper, if needed. Serve cold or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Weekly Meal Planning
This Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad is ideal for meal prepping: it holds up beautifully in the fridge for several days, making lunches and dinners a breeze. Save and schedule this recipe with CookifyAI to plan your meals for the week and generate smart, consolidated shopping lists.
Planning Benefits:
- Keeps track of ingredient amounts needed across your week’s recipes
- Organizes your grocery list by store section for maximum efficiency
- Avoids ingredient overlap and food waste by calculating exact quantities
- Streamlines your weekly meal prep so you can enjoy home-cooked meals with less hassle
Pro tip: When coupling this recipe with other meals on your plan, CookifyAI will total ingredients like olive oil or fresh herbs, so you never overbuy or run short!
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Enjoy the vibrant flavors and make your meal planning simple and effective with this Easy Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette!