This Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad is made with gluten free pasta, juicy chicken, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and a homemade balsamic dressing. Perfect for meal prep, BBQs, and easy summer lunches.
Fresh, colorful, and packed with flavor, this Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making on repeat all summer long!
Tender chicken, gluten free pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella pearls, and fresh basil are tossed in an easy homemade balsamic dressing, then finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for the perfect sweet and tangy bite.
Whether you’re meal prepping lunches, bringing a dish to a cookout, or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this pasta salad checks every box. It’s hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, yet simple enough to throw together in about 30 minutes.
Even better, the flavors continue to develop as it chills, making it a great make-ahead recipe for busy weeks!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad
- Naturally gluten free with your favorite GF pasta
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Great for meal prep
- High in protein thanks to the chicken
- Fresh summer ingredients
- Perfect for BBQs, potlucks and picnics
- Homemade balsamic dressing
- Easy to customize
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple fresh ingredients that work beautifully together.
Gluten Free Pasta
Rotini or fusilli are ideal because all the twists hold onto plenty of dressing.
Cooked Chicken
Rotisserie chicken keeps this recipe quick and easy, but grilled chicken breasts are equally delicious.
Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry or grape tomatoes stay juicy without making the salad watery.
Fresh Mozzarella Pearls
Mozzarella pearls distribute evenly throughout the salad so every bite gets a little creamy richness.
Fresh Basil
Fresh basil is what gives caprese recipes their signature flavor. Don’t substitute dried basil here.
Homemade Balsamic Dressing
A simple dressing made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon juice and a touch of honey ties everything together.
Balsamic Glaze
A drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving adds sweetness, depth, and makes the salad look restaurant-worthy.
The Best Gluten Free and Grain Free Pasta for Pasta Salad
The pasta you choose makes a big difference in a gluten free pasta salad, especially once it has been chilled. Look for a short pasta shape with plenty of ridges or curves to hold onto the balsamic dressing. Rotini and fusilli are my first choices, but penne and bow ties can also work well.
For a traditional gluten free option, I recommend a brown rice pasta or a corn-and-rice blend. Jovial brown rice pasta has a flavor and texture that are close to traditional pasta, while Barilla Gluten Free Rotini is made from corn and rice and has a spiral shape that holds onto dressing especially well.
For a grain free and paleo-friendly version, use Jovial cassava fusilli. It is made with cassava flour and water and is free from gluten, grains, legumes, and gums. The fusilli shape also works particularly well in this salad because the twists capture the dressing and small pieces of basil. This pasta comes in an 8oz package, so you will need 1 1/2 packages for this recipe,
Whichever pasta you choose, cook it only until al dente and begin checking it a minute or two before the package cooking time is complete. Gluten free pasta can quickly become too soft, and slightly firm pasta holds up much better after the salad is dressed and refrigerated. Rinse it briefly with cool water to stop the cooking, drain it thoroughly, and avoid letting it sit in the colander for too long before assembling the salad.
How to Make Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad
This recipe comes together in just a few easy steps.
Cook the pasta
Cook the pasta until just al dente. Rinse briefly under cool water to stop the cooking, then allow it to cool before assembling.
Make the dressing
Whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth and emulsified.
Assemble the salad
Combine the cooled pasta with the chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil and onion. Toss gently with the dressing.
Chill
Refrigerate for about 20 to 30 minutes to let the flavors blend together.
Finish and serve
Drizzle with balsamic glaze, garnish with extra basil, and serve.
Tips for the Best Pasta Salad
A few simple tricks make a big difference.
- Cook the pasta just until al dente.
- Don’t over-rinse the pasta.
- Dress the salad while the pasta is slightly warm so it absorbs flavor.
- Reserve a little dressing if making ahead.
- Add the balsamic glaze just before serving.
- Use plenty of fresh basil.
Variations
This recipe is easy to customize!
- Add avocado just before serving.
- Toss in baby spinach or arugula.
- Add roasted corn.
- Stir in toasted pine nuts.
- Use grilled shrimp instead of chicken.
- Swap mozzarella for dairy-free mozzarella.
Make Ahead and Storage
This salad actually tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Because gluten free pasta absorbs dressing as it sits, reserve a few tablespoons of dressing and stir it in before serving leftovers to freshen everything up.
What to Serve with Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad
- Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken
- Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken
- Cilantro Lime Shrimp Skewers
- Best Paleo Burgers
- Thai Turkey Burgers
- Spinach Artichoke Chicken Burgers
- Street Corn Chicken Salad
- Mediterranean Chopped Salad
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. It’s an excellent make-ahead recipe. Prepare it several hours in advance and reserve a little dressing to toss in just before serving.
What’s the best gluten free pasta to use?
Rotini, fusilli and cavatappi all hold the dressing well and keep their texture after chilling.
For a traditional gluten free option, use a brown rice pasta or a corn-and-rice blend. Jovial brown rice pasta has a flavor and texture that are close to traditional pasta, and Barilla Gluten Free Rotini is made from corn and rice and has a spiral shape that holds onto dressing especially well.
For a grain free and paleo-friendly version, use Jovial cassava fusilli. It is made with cassava flour and water and is free from gluten, grains, legumes, and gums.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is one of the easiest ways to make this recipe quickly.
Can I make it dairy free?
Yes. Simply omit the mozzarella or use your favorite dairy-free mozzarella alternative.
Why add balsamic glaze if there’s already balsamic dressing?
The dressing flavors the entire salad while the balsamic glaze adds a rich, slightly sweet finish that makes every bite taste more like a classic caprese salad.
Can I freeze this pasta salad?
No. Fresh tomatoes, basil, mozzarella and cooked pasta don’t freeze well and will lose their texture after thawing.
Expert Tips
- Pat the mozzarella dry before adding it to the salad.
- Slice tomatoes just before mixing.
- Let the salad rest for 20 minutes before serving.
- Finish with flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper.
- Garnish generously with fresh basil for the freshest flavor.
If you’re looking for an easy summer meal that’s just as perfect for weekday lunches as it is for backyard BBQs, this Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again!
Fresh basil, juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, tender chicken, and a homemade balsamic dressing create a combination that’s simple, satisfying, and packed with fresh summer flavor.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a rating and comment below, and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram so I can see your creation!
More Summer Salads You’ll Love
- Greek Chicken Pasta Salad
- Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
- Street Corn Chicken Salad
- Mediterranean Chopped Salad
- Watermelon Mint Salad
- Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad
- Chicken Caesar Potato Salad
- Cobb Pasta Salad
Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad (Gluten Free)
Ingredients
Pasta Salad:
- 12 ounces gluten free rotini or fusilli I like Jovial or Barilla GF
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast diced or shredded (rotisserie works well)
- 10 ounces cherry tomatoes halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls ciliegine, drained
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh basil plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley (optional but brightens the flavor)
- 2 tablespoons finely diced red onion
- Fresh cracked black pepper
Balsamic Dressing:
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Finish:
- Balsamic glaze
- extra basil
- flaky sea salt
- freshly grated parmesan optional if not dairy free
Instructions
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Cook pasta just until al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water to stop the cooking. Shake off excess water and place in a large serving bowl. Drizzle with about 1 teaspoon olive oil and toss,,then allow to cool 10-15 minutes.
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For the dressing, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon, honey, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
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To the cooled pasta add the chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, parsley, red onion. Pour about 3/4 of the dressing over everything, then toss gently and taste, adding the remaining dressing if you like.
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Refrigerate 20-30 minutes so the flavors blend.
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Before serving, drizzle generously with balsamic glaze, garnish with more basil, finish with black pepper and sprinkle parmesan, if desired.
Recipe Notes
*Best GF Pasta
Jovial brown rice pasta has a flavor and texture that are close to traditional pasta, and Barilla Gluten Free Rotini is made from corn and rice and has a spiral shape that holds onto dressing especially well.
For a grain free and paleo-friendly version, use Jovial cassava fusilli. It is made with cassava flour and water and is free from gluten, grains, legumes, and gums.
Storage:
Keeps well for 3 days.
If making ahead, reserve a little dressing and stir it in before serving since gluten-free pasta absorbs dressing while refrigerated.
Optional Add-Ins:
* baby spinach
* avocado (serve immediately)
* toasted pine nuts
* roasted corn
* sliced salami
* arugula
* diced cucumber
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