Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad is the perfect mix of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. The balsamic dressing coats the chicken and vegetables, adding a delicious depth of flavor. The cheese tortellini adds richness, while the fresh vegetables like asparagus and grape tomatoes bring a nice crunch and burst of color. It’s a well-rounded dish that’s easy to prepare and ideal for meal prep, gatherings, or a simple weeknight dinner. The touch of honey in the vinaigrette adds a sweetness that complements the balsamic vinegar perfectly.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup Italian dressing
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 pound asparagus
• 3/4 cup shredded carrots
• 3/4 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 (20-ounce) package cheese tortellini, cooked according to package instructions
• Fresh minced basil (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts, seasoning with salt and crushed red chili pepper flakes. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on both sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Asparagus: Trim the tough ends from the asparagus and cut them into 1-inch pieces. Bring a pot of water to a boil, and blanch the asparagus for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside to cool.
3. Cook the Tortellini: While the asparagus is cooling, cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta quickly.
4. Make the Balsamic Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, balsamic vinegar, honey, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
5. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, sliced chicken, blanched asparagus, shredded carrots, and grape tomatoes. Pour the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh minced basil (optional) and serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Add Avocado: For extra creaminess, add sliced avocado to the salad.
• Make it Spicy: Increase the amount of crushed red chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for extra heat.
• Substitute Vegetables: If asparagus isn’t in season, you can use green beans, peas, or broccoli as a substitute.
• Use Different Protein: Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Change the Cheese: If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to swap out the cheese tortellini for another type of pasta or even add crumbled feta or goat cheese for an additional flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad can be eaten cold or at room temperature.
• Reheating: If you’d like to serve the salad warm, you can gently reheat the chicken and tortellini in a skillet before mixing everything together.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Simply store the salad components separately (dressing, chicken, and vegetables) and toss them together just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Can I use a different pasta instead of tortellini?

Yes, you can substitute cheese tortellini with other pasta types such as farfalle, fusilli, or rotini for a different texture.

Can I skip the honey in the vinaigrette?

You can skip the honey if you prefer a more savory, tangy dressing, or substitute it with maple syrup or agave for a different sweetener.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked. You can check with a meat thermometer to be sure.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie chicken) to save time. Just shred or slice it and add it to the salad.

How can I make this salad vegetarian?

To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables or beans, such as chickpeas, black beans, or roasted vegetables.

Can I freeze this salad?

This salad is best eaten fresh and should not be frozen, as the tortellini and vegetables will lose their texture once thawed.

Can I substitute the balsamic vinegar with something else?

If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can substitute with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, though it will slightly change the flavor.

Can I add nuts or seeds to the salad?

Yes, toasted pine nuts, sunflower seeds, or walnuts would add an extra crunch to this salad.

Is there a way to make this salad spicier?

To increase the spice, you can add more crushed red chili flakes to the chicken or vinaigrette, or include diced jalapeños to the salad.

Conclusion

Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad is a deliciously vibrant dish that combines savory chicken, fresh vegetables, and cheesy tortellini with a tangy, sweet balsamic vinaigrette. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a perfect dish for lunch, dinner, or a potluck. Whether served warm or cold, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, and it’s easy to customize with your favorite ingredients. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying salad any time you want something quick, healthy, and delicious!

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