Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, this Chicken Pasta Salad with Fresh Mozzarella is a perfect go-to dish for any occasion. Featuring tender penne pasta, juicy cooked chicken, creamy mozzarella balls, and a medley of vibrant cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and aromatic basil, this salad is as colorful as it is satisfying. Tossed in a simple yet tangy dressing of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, itβs an effortlessly elegant recipe thatβs both light and filling. Ready in just 25 minutes, itβs ideal for meal prepping, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner. Serve it chilled or at room temperature, and watch this crowd-pleaser disappear!
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, shred or dice the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and finely slice the red onion. Add them to the bowl with the chicken.
Cut the fresh mozzarella balls in half and add them to the bowl along with the basil leaves.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the large mixing bowl with the chicken and vegetables. Pour the dressing over the top.
Gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve cold or at room temperature, garnished with additional basil leaves if desired.
Calories |
2756 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 103.2 g | 132% | |
| Saturated Fat | 38.2 g | 191% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 434 mg | 145% | |
| Sodium | 3903 mg | 170% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 258.5 g | 94% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.6 g | 59% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.2 g | ||
| Protein | 192.4 g | 385% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1162 mg | 89% | |
| Iron | 16.9 mg | 94% | |
| Potassium | 1778 mg | 38% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.