Looking for the ultimate office lunch that doesn’t require waiting for the microwave or starving at 3pm? This caprese pasta salad is your answer.
With creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty hint of lemon, it captures all of Italy’s finest flavours in one filling bowl.
Plus, the addition of roasted chicken breast boosts the protein without any extra fluff. You can use pre-frozen chicken breast to make things easier. Defrost, slice, and throw into the salad. It’s that simple.
- What is Caprese Pasta Salad?
- Can You Meal Prep Caprese Pasta Salad?
- Can You Heat Caprese Pasta Salad?
- Make it Vegan
- Make it Gluten-Free
- Variations and Add-Ins
- Caprese Pasta Salad Notes & Tips
- Equipment Needed
- Caprese Pasta Salad Recipe
- Other Pasta Recipes
What is Caprese Pasta Salad?
Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and sometimes a balsamic glaze. Caprese pasta salad combines these ingredients with pasta for a heartier twist.
Can You Meal Prep Caprese Pasta Salad?
Caprese pasta salad is perfect for meal prep — quick to make, easy to divide into portions, and packed with protein and flavour.
Should You Heat Caprese Pasta Salad?
While you can heat it up before eating, you don’t need to. The fresh ingredients shine best at room temperature.
Make it Vegan
If you can get your hands on vegan mozzarella-style cheese, great. If not, you can leave it out or replace it with vegan sour cream or similar.
As for the chicken, swap it for firm tofu or your preferred meat alternative.
Make it Gluten-Free
Simply substitute the pasta with a gluten-free alternative.
Variations and Add-Ins
Lighter mozzarella: opt for reduced-fat mozzarella to reduce the calories.
Change the protein: try chorizo or ham for a different twist, or go meat free for a veggie option.
Add more veg: feel free to throw in your favourites.
Notes & Tips
While you could chop up a larger ball of mozzarella, using mozzarella pearls is a slightly neater way to elevate the dish, especially if serving for friends.
Balsamic vinegar is also a great accompaniment. Either drizzle it over the pasta as it is, or combine it with honey to make a thicker glaze.
Equipment Needed
- Large pan
- Sharp knife
- Chopping board
- Large bowl
Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe
Caprese Chicken Pasta Salad
- Servings
- Serves 4
- Prep Time
- 10 minutes
- Cook Time
- 10 minutes
- Passive Time
- 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 cups dry pasta
- Handful cherry tomatoes
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 red onion
- 1/2 cucumber
- 2 cloves garlic
- Handful capers
- 1 ball mozzarella
- 2 roasted chicken breasts
- Bunch basil
- 1 lemon (juice & zest)
- 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to packet instructions.
Slice the tomatoes, pepper, red onion, and cucumber.
Crush the garlic, sprinkle over some salt, and turn it into a paste using the flat edge of the knife.
Roughly chop the capers and mozzarella.
Dice the cooked chicken and roughly chop the basil.
Drain the pasta, drizzle with a little olive oil, and leave it to cool slightly.
Mix all the ingredients with the pasta, adding olive oil, lemon zest, and juice.
Serve immediately, saving leftovers for meal prepped lunches.
Nutritional info per serving:
| Calories | 676 |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 41g |
| Protein | 40g |
Other Pasta Recipes
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad | 3-Day Chicken Meal Prep
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