Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Salad
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad Base
- 10 ounces gluten-free rotini pasta
- 1 1/2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cups grilled chicken, cooled, optional
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons shallots, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
For Garnish (Optional)
- 1 fresh basil, for garnish
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- 1
Cook the gluten-free rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and allow it to cool completely. This can be done by rinsing with cold water or spreading it on a baking sheet.
⏱️ 10 min
- 2
While the pasta cools, prepare the dressing. In a small jar or bowl, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, minced shallots, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously or shake the jar until all ingredients are well combined and emulsified.
⏱️ 5 min
- 3
Prepare the remaining base ingredients: dice the red onion, halve the grape or cherry tomatoes, and chop the fresh basil.
⏱️ 10 min
- 4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, diced red onion, and chopped fresh basil. If using, add the cooled grilled chicken.
⏱️ 5 min
- 5
Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients in the large bowl.
⏱️ 1 min
- 6
Toss the pasta salad thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Ensure everything is well mixed.
⏱️ 2 min
- 7
For best flavor, cover the pasta salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
⏱️ 30 min
- 8
Before serving, give the salad another quick toss. If desired, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh basil.
⏱️ 2 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Salad
For the Pasta Salad Base
- 10 ounces gluten-free rotini pasta
- 1 1/2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cups grilled chicken, cooled, optional
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons shallots, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, to taste
For Garnish (Optional)
- 1 fresh basil, for garnish
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- 1
Cook the gluten-free rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and allow it to cool completely. This can be done by rinsing with cold water or spreading it on a baking sheet.
⏱️ 10 min - 2
While the pasta cools, prepare the dressing. In a small jar or bowl, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, minced shallots, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously or shake the jar until all ingredients are well combined and emulsified.
⏱️ 5 min - 3
Prepare the remaining base ingredients: dice the red onion, halve the grape or cherry tomatoes, and chop the fresh basil.
⏱️ 10 min - 4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, diced red onion, and chopped fresh basil. If using, add the cooled grilled chicken.
⏱️ 5 min - 5
Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients in the large bowl.
⏱️ 1 min - 6
Toss the pasta salad thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Ensure everything is well mixed.
⏱️ 2 min - 7
For best flavor, cover the pasta salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
⏱️ 30 min - 8
Before serving, give the salad another quick toss. If desired, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and additional fresh basil.
⏱️ 2 min