Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad with Chicken and Bacon

Name: Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad with Chicken and Bacon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound rotini or penne pasta; 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced; 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn; 1/3 cup balsamic glaze; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and black pepper to taste

This bright pasta salad combines juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and crispy bacon for the perfect summer meal.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 Italian· July 16, 2026

Fresh Caprese Pasta Salad with Chicken and Bacon

dailyrecipesbook.com

Prep

15 minutes

Cook

15 minutes

Total

30 minutes

Serves

There is something special about the combination of basil, mozzarella, and tomatoes. Adding chicken and bacon makes this pasta salad hearty enough to serve as a main dish for lunch or dinner. It is always a hit at backyard barbecues because the flavors are so refreshing and simple.

My best advice is to use the freshest mozzarella balls you can find. If you have time, let the salad sit in the fridge for an hour before serving so the dressing can soak into the pasta and chicken. It tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

1 pound rotini or penne pasta
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
8 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
1/3 cup balsamic glaze
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
2
Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls.
4
In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic glaze, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to coat.
6
Stir in the fresh basil just before serving so the leaves stay bright and green.

💡 Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If the pasta seems a bit dry after chilling, add a small drizzle of olive oil or more balsamic glaze before serving.

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