Print

Flavorful Honey Balsamic Chicken Pasta Salad

honey balsamic chicken pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy chicken pasta salad with a sweet and tangy honey balsamic dressing, perfect for summer meals and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 340 g), grilled or pan-seared and sliced
  • 8 oz (225 g) rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons (60 ml) honey
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) cucumber, diced
  • 1/3 cup (45 g) red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh basil leaves, torn
  • Optional: 1/4 cup (30 g) toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) pasta and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop cooking. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  2. While pasta cooks, season chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper. Heat grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add a teaspoon of olive oil and cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F / 74°C). Let rest 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized strips.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup (60 ml) balsamic vinegar, 3 tablespoons (60 ml) honey, 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 minced garlic clove. Season with salt and pepper to taste until smooth and slightly glossy.
  4. Halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, thinly slice red onion, and shred Parmesan cheese. Tear basil leaves roughly by hand.
  5. Add chicken slices, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and cheese into the bowl with cooled pasta. Pour dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly until everything is coated.
  6. Sprinkle torn basil leaves and optional toasted pine nuts or almonds on top. Give a light toss just before serving.

Notes

Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to stop starch and keep salad from becoming gluey. Soak red onion in cold water for milder flavor. Add dressing just before serving to avoid sogginess. Use a thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F. For gluten-free, substitute pasta with gluten-free pasta or quinoa. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use dairy-free alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta salad, honey balsamic dressing, summer salad, easy pasta salad, grilled chicken salad

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/flavorful-honey-balsamic-chicken-pasta-salad-easy-recipe-for-summer-meals/