Fresh Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe: Zesty Summer Joy

Sizzling summer days call for a delightful bruschetta chicken pasta salad that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors.

This Mediterranean-inspired dish combines tender grilled chicken with al dente pasta and bright tomato goodness.

Juicy cherry tomatoes dance alongside crisp basil leaves, creating a symphony of taste in every forkful.

The light, zesty dressing ties all the ingredients together in a mouthwatering embrace.

Herbs and garlic add depth to this crowd-pleasing meal that works perfectly for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner.

You’ll love how easily this recipe comes together, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to savor every delicious bite of this summer sensation.

Everything You’ll Need for Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Salad

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that absorbs Mediterranean-style seasonings beautifully, choose fresh and trimmed cuts for tender results.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty depth and creamy texture, select authentic aged variety for maximum flavor punch.

• Pasta: Provides hearty foundation for the salad, select short shapes like rotini or penne that capture sauce effectively.

• Basil, Oregano, Garlic Powder: Classic Italian herb blend that infuses chicken with aromatic Mediterranean essence.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that enhance and balance overall dish taste.
• Red Onion: Adds sharp, crisp bite and vibrant color to the salad, choose firm and bright purple onions.
• Garlic: Brings intense, pungent undertone that complements other ingredients, select fresh, firm cloves.

• Olive Oil: Provides silky texture and authentic Mediterranean cooking base, choose extra virgin for best quality.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Introduces tangy, sweet complexity that elevates the entire dish, select aged variety.
• Fresh Tomatoes: Contributes juicy, garden-fresh element, pick ripe, firm summer varieties.

• Balsamic Glaze: Delivers rich, concentrated sweetness as beautiful final drizzle, choose high-quality reduction.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Offers bright, herbaceous garnish that adds final layer of freshness.

Gear to Assemble Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Salad Smoothly

• Large Bowl: Essential for mixing and tossing pasta salad ingredients.
• Grill Pan or Skillet: Crucial for searing and cooking chicken to perfection.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing chicken and chopping herbs.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise cutting of ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately season chicken and measure spices.
• Colander: Used for draining and rinsing pasta.
• Spatula or Tongs: Helpful for turning chicken and mixing ingredients.

How to Toss Together Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Salad

• Pasta Preparation

Cook pasta following package instructions, then cool under cold water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

• Chicken Seasoning

Sprinkle chicken with classic Italian herbs and spices. Sear in a hot pan until golden and fully cooked, then let it rest.

• Vegetable Sauté

Quickly warm garlic and red onion in the same pan, creating a fragrant base for the dish.

• Tomato Fusion

Gently heat tomatoes in the pan, blending their fresh flavors into the cooking juices.

• Flavor Combination

Mix vinegar, cheese, and fresh herbs into the pasta. Add sliced chicken and toss everything together.

• Final Touch

Garnish with extra cheese and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Can be served immediately or chilled for an hour to enhance flavors.

Flavor Tips for Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Salad

• Prepare the pasta salad a day in advance to let the flavors meld together, creating an even more delicious dish that's perfect for meal prep or picnics.
• Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or plant-based chicken alternatives to suit different dietary preferences and keep the dish versatile.
• Chop extra fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or chives just before serving to add a burst of bright, aromatic flavor and visual appeal to the pasta salad.
• Toss in some toasted pine nuts, crispy bacon bits, or crumbled feta cheese to add extra crunch and depth to the dish.

Presentation Ideas for Serving Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Salad

• Elevate Dinner Presentation: Serve this vibrant pasta salad on a large platter, allowing the colorful ingredients to shine and create an inviting visual feast for family and friends.
• Pair with Crusty Companions: Complement the dish with warm, toasted Italian bread or garlic crostini to soak up the delicious vinaigrette and add a delightful crunch to each bite.
• Chilled Delight Option: Prepare the salad in advance and refrigerate for up to an hour, letting the flavors meld together and creating a refreshing meal perfect for warm summer evenings or potluck gatherings.
• Wine Matching Magic: Enhance the meal with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc that will beautifully highlight the bright tomato and herbal notes of the bruschetta chicken pasta salad.

How to Keep Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Salad Fresh

• Optimize Meal Prep: Cook chicken and pasta in advance, storing separately in airtight containers for quick assembly during busy weekdays.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Keep this pasta salad chilled for up to 3 days, maintaining fresh flavors and tender chicken texture when sealed tightly.
• Enhance Freshness: Add fresh basil and parmesan just before serving to prevent wilting and maintain crisp, vibrant ingredients.
• Pack for Lunch: Perfect for portable meals – use leak-proof containers to transport this delicious salad to work or picnics without compromising taste or quality.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 650 kcal

Servings: 7

Vibrant Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mediterranean-inspired bruschetta chicken pasta salad merges classic Italian flavors with fresh summer ingredients. Crisp vegetables and grilled chicken create a light, delicious meal perfect for warm evenings you’ll savor with friends.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (500 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 8 roma tomatoes, diced
• 1 lb (500 g) thin spaghetti pasta
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup additional parmesan cheese (for serving)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsps balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsps minced garlic
• 2 tbsps finely chopped fresh basil or parsley
• 2 tbsps red onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Balsamic glaze (optional, for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, drain, and rinse with cold water. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
2. Chicken Seasoning: Create a robust spice blend with dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with the aromatic mixture.
3. Chicken Cooking: Sear seasoned chicken in a hot grill pan with olive oil over medium-high heat for 6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5-7 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
4. Vegetable Sauté: In the same pan, quickly sauté minced garlic and red onion until fragrant and translucent. Add diced tomatoes, warming briefly to release natural juices.
5. Flavor Fusion: Combine warm tomato mixture with pasta, ensuring even distribution. Drizzle balsamic vinegar, sprinkle parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Final Assembly: Gently incorporate sliced chicken into the pasta salad. Refrigerate for 30-60 minutes to enhance flavor profile. Garnish with additional parmesan and balsamic glaze before serving.

Notes

• Chicken Doneness Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption and optimal juiciness.
• Pasta Texture Tip: Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness when mixed with other ingredients, maintaining a perfect bite.
• Flavor Infusion Technique: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator to allow herbs and dressing to thoroughly penetrate and enhance overall taste profile.
• Freshness Maximizer: Prepare tomato and herb components just before mixing to preserve vibrant colors and bright, fresh flavors.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 68 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg