This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase through my link. Thank you for supporting my blog!
When the weather is warm, I’m always looking for recipes that are fresh, filling, and simple enough to pull together after a busy day. This grilled chicken caprese pasta salad checks every box — it’s hearty enough to be dinner on its own, but still light and refreshing thanks to ripe tomatoes, basil, and creamy avocado.
I love this recipe because it takes the classic flavors of a caprese salad — mozzarella, basil, and tomato — and turns them into a complete meal. The grilled chicken adds protein, the pasta makes it family-friendly, and the avocado gives it a rich, creamy texture without needing heavy dressings.
If you have left over grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken, this recipe is perfect for those leftovers! Also, when harvest baskets begin to overflow with tomatoes and basil – this recipe will use them up in an honorable way – allowing NOTHING to go to waste.
Why You'll Love this Grilled Chicken Caprese Salad with Avocado
Simple & quick – The chicken can be grilled ahead of time, and the salad comes together in about 20 minutes.
Family-friendly – My kids love pasta, so this one is always a win at the dinner table.
Fresh ingredients – Tomato, basil, and avocado keep it bright and flavorful. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding this pesto into the mix.
Perfect for leftovers – It keeps well in the fridge and makes a great lunch the next day.
Ingredients
Pasta of choice (I like rotini or penne)
Left Over Cooked grilled chicken, sliced
Cherry tomatoes
Fresh mozzarella balls (I’ve used sliced mozzarella in a pinch and it works just fine)
Fresh basil
Avocado
Olive oil + balsamic glaze (or a simple vinaigrette)
Salt + pepper
How To Make
Cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and let it cool slightly.
Grill or prep your chicken (leftovers work great here!). Slice into bite-sized pieces.
Combine pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and avocado in a large bowl.
Dress it up with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Toss gently and serve.
Serving Ideas
This salad makes a great weeknight dinner, but it’s also perfect for BBQs, picnics, or meal prep. Serve it warm right after making it, or chill it for a refreshing cold pasta salad.
This grilled chicken caprese pasta salad with avocado is the kind of recipe I keep on repeat all summer long. It’s easy, nourishing, and a meal my whole family actually looks forward to eating. I hope it makes its way to your table, too — and if you try it, let me know how your family enjoyed it!
Grilled Chicken Caprese Pasta with Avocado
Ingredients
Method
- If you don't have left over chicken, prepare your chicken first.
- Whisk together olive oil, vinegar garlic, dried basil and salt/pepper. This will be your marinade and your dressing. Just divide in half. Use one half to marinade your chicken for ~30 minutes. Set aside and the other half for the salad dressing.
- You can bake or grill the chicken. Just make sure it's completely cooked (165°F) and allow it to rest for ~10 minutes before cutting it into strips.
- While your chicken is cooking, ready your pasta. In a large pan, with a healthy handful of salt bring your water to a boil. Once it's rolling, add your pasta.
- While your water is boiling, chiffonade your basil and half your tomatoes. Also, slice up your avocado.
- Once it's pasta is to your liking (I like mine a little past al dente), you can strain and set aside.
- Layer your goodness in your favorite bowl.
- Layers can look like: Pasta, Chicken, mozzarella balls, tomatoes, avocado, mozzarella, dressing and fresh basil.
- OR - JUST TOSS IT ALL TOGETHER!
- NOTE: IF you assemble this salad a head of time, I'd recommend you add avocado and basil right before you serve. Just add them and then toss and serve immediately.