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
- 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)
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, drain, and rinse with cold water. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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