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–+ servings
A glass bowl filled with colorful ingredients: cooked pasta, chopped greens, grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, bacon, and a balsamic glaze drizzle, arranged in sections on a white surface.
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5 from 2 votes

Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Salad

This bruschetta chicken pasta salad combines balsamic marinated grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella, crispy bacon, and balsamic glaze. A stunning summer pasta salad ready in 30 minutes.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Marinate Time1 hour
Servings: 6

Equipment

  • Serving bowl

Ingredients

Chicken Marinade

  • 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breast
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 4 –5 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp chilli powder
  • ½ tsp each: dried oregano and ground black pepper
  • 1½ tsp salt

Pasta Salad

  • 8 oz dry pasta of choice
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • ½ cup fresh basil chopped
  • 8 oz mozzarella mini pearls or chopped fresh mozzarella
  • 8 slices of bacon cooked until crispy and chopped
  • 2 tbsp balsamic glaze to taste
  • Extra salt and pepper to taste if needed

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

  • In a bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Pour most of the marinade over the chicken (reserve about 2–3 tablespoons for later). Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

Cook the Chicken

  • Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for about 4–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F). Other cooking methods:
    Air Fryer: 400°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway
    Oven: Bake at 400°F for 35-45 minutes.
    Cook until internal temp reaches 165°F.
  • Let it rest for 5 minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces.

Cook the Pasta

  • Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  • Drain and rinse under cold water to cool quickly and stop the cooking process.

Assemble the Salad

  • In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients together. Drizzle with the reserved marinade and balsamic glaze. Toss gently until everything is well coated.
    • If you are not serving the salad right away, I prefer to keep the bacon separately so it doesn't get soggy and add it before serving.

Serve & Enjoy

  • Serve right away or chill for 30–60 minutes to let the flavors come together.

Notes

  • Don’t skip resting the chicken—it keeps it juicy.
  • Use fresh basil (not dried!) for that classic bruschetta flavor.
  • Add bacon last-minute if you want it crispy.
  • Taste before serving and adjust with extra glaze or salt
  • Toss in spinach or arugula for extra greens