Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette – Easy Recipe

If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and packed with flavor, you’re going to love this recipe for a Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette – Easy. It combines perfectly grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and whole grain pasta all tossed in a tangy, homemade balsamic vinaigrette that brightens every bite. This dish is a fantastic way to enjoy a simple yet elegant meal that feels special without any fuss. Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight dinner or at a summer gathering, its irresistible blend of textures and tastes will quickly make it a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list—it’s surprisingly straightforward and every single component plays a vital role in creating a colorful, flavor-packed salad. From the protein-packed chicken breasts to the bright herbs and the tangy dressing ingredients, each one contributes essential texture, freshness, or zing that makes this dish sing.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Essential for juicy, comforting protein with a smoky grilled flavor.
• Red bell peppers: Add sweetness and a vibrant pop of color to your salad.
• Green onions: Provide a delicate crunch and mild oniony brightness.
• Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Key for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
• Whole grain penne pasta: A hearty base giving great texture and whole grain nutrition.
• Balsamic vinegar: The star of the dressing, delivering that characteristic sweet and tangy depth.
• Lemon zest and juice: Offer fresh citrus notes that brighten the vinaigrette beautifully.
• Garlic cloves, minced: Bring a bit of savory punch to balance the acidity.
• Olive oil: Creates a luscious, smooth vinaigrette when emulsified with vinegar.
• Chopped parsley: Adds fresh herbaceousness and color contrast.
• Basil leaves, roughly torn: Give aromatic bursts and a sweet, peppery accent.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Optional, but adds a salty, nutty finish that elevates every bite.

How to Make a Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette – Easy Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Grill

First things first, fire up your grill to high heat. Meanwhile, gently coat the chicken breasts, red bell peppers, and green onions with olive oil—this not only prevents sticking but also helps develop those beautiful charred grill marks. Season everything liberally with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper; seasoning is what really makes your ingredients sing when they hit the grill.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken and Vegetables

Place the chicken and bell peppers on the grill, covering them as they cook to lock in heat and moisture. Grill the chicken for about 6 minutes per side until perfectly cooked and slightly charred—those grill marks add irresistible flavor and texture. The peppers take roughly the same time; you want them tender but still holding their shape. The green onions only need about 3 minutes per side to soften just enough while maintaining a touch of crunch. Once done, transfer everything to a cutting board and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to seal in the juices.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While your grill is working its magic, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking the whole grain penne pasta al dente according to package instructions is crucial—it should be tender but still have a slight bite. Once done, drain and set aside, ready to soak up that luscious balsamic vinaigrette.

Step 4: Slice and Chop

Now that the grilled components have rested and cooled slightly, it’s time to prep them for the salad. Thinly slice the chicken against the grain; this keeps each piece tender and easy to eat. Roughly chop the vibrant grilled bell peppers and slice the green onions into bite-sized pieces, ensuring every forkful has a balance of ingredients and textures.

Step 5: Prepare the Balsamic Vinaigrette

This step is where all the magic happens for a Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette – Easy. In a large bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly to create an emulsified, silky dressing. Stir in the chopped parsley, then season with salt and pepper to taste. This dressing is bright, tangy, with just a hint of sweetness and a garlicky kick—absolutely delicious!

Step 6: Toss the Pasta and Ingredients

Add your cooked pasta into the bowl with the vinaigrette and toss gently to coat every piece. Let it rest for about 5 minutes so those bold flavors soak in nicely. Then fold in the sliced chicken, grilled peppers, green onions, and torn basil leaves for fresh herbal notes. Give everything one last toss and taste, adjusting seasoning if needed—you want this salad bursting with flavor at every turn.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your salad warm or chilled, whichever you prefer! Finish with a generous sprinkling of grated parmesan cheese and an extra crack of black pepper on top. The cheesy, salty garnish pairs beautifully with the tangy vinaigrette and tender chicken, making every bite irresistibly satisfying. Now, dig in and enjoy one of the tastiest ways to eat clean, fresh, and wholesome food!

How to Serve a Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette – Easy Recipe

Garnishes

Consider garnishing with toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds to add a delightful crunch. Fresh herbs like extra basil or parsley sprinkled on top elevate the visual appeal while boosting freshness. A few sun-dried tomatoes can introduce a pleasant, sweet chewiness that complements the balsamic dressing beautifully.

Side Dishes

This salad is the star of the show but pairs exceptionally well with simple sides such as crusty garlic bread, a light tomato soup, or a classic Caesar salad if you want to keep the meal varied. For a heartier spread, serve alongside grilled vegetables or a chilled fruit salad for a sweet contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve this salad in individual glass bowls layered with ingredients for a stunning visual. You can also plate it on a large wooden board surrounded by slices of grilled bread and small bowls of extra vinaigrette, cheese, and herbs to create an interactive dining experience. Mason jars are perfect for a picnic or lunch on the go, keeping the layers intact until tossed and enjoyed.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the pasta from absorbing too much vinaigrette and getting soggy, store the dressing separately if possible and toss them together just before serving.

Freezing

This particular salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the tender greens and cooked pasta, which can lose texture and become mushy when defrosted. It’s better to prepare it fresh or keep components separate if you want to meal prep.

Reheating

If you prefer eating the salad warm, gently reheat the portion with chicken and pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add any fresh greens or herbs afterward to maintain their freshness. Avoid reheating the entire salad with the dressing and herbs mixed in to keep flavors bright and textures intact.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While whole grain penne pasta adds a great nutty flavor and texture, you can swap it with any shape you prefer—fusilli, rotini, or even gluten-free options if needed.

How long does this salad keep in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, this salad lasts up to three days. For the best texture, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the grilled chicken with grilled tofu, tempeh, or extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to keep it hearty and delicious.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. Prep your grilled chicken and vegetables in advance, but toss the ingredients with the vinaigrette just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

What can I substitute for parmesan cheese if I want a dairy-free option?

Try nutritional yeast for that cheesy, nutty flavor without dairy. Alternatively, toasted seeds or crushed nuts give an enjoyable crunch and depth.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a quick, wholesome, and incredibly tasty meal, you really can’t go wrong with a Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette – Easy. It’s a brilliant recipe that combines fresh ingredients and a vibrant dressing into a dish that feels both comforting and elegant. Next time you want something satisfying without the hassle, whip up this salad and enjoy every satisfying bite—it just may become your go-to!

Print