Tangy Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

Excitement bubbles around this vibrant balsamic chicken tortellini salad that transforms simple ingredients into a delightful meal.

Crisp vegetables dance alongside tender pasta pillows, creating a symphony of flavors and textures.

Juicy chicken pieces nestle between soft tortellini, bringing hearty satisfaction to each forkful.

Mediterranean influences shine through the tangy balsamic glaze, which adds depth and complexity to every bite.

Quick to assemble and stunning to serve, you’ll appreciate how effortlessly this dish comes together.

Seasonal ingredients make this salad adaptable for lunch or dinner gatherings.

Rich colors and bold tastes promise a memorable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad Is So Flavor-Packed

• Whip Up a Quick Weeknight Meal: This balsamic chicken tortellini salad comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families needing a delicious dinner solution without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Enjoy Versatile Flavor Combinations: The recipe blends protein-packed chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh vegetables with a tangy balsamic dressing, creating a balanced one-bowl meal that satisfies multiple taste preferences.
• Prep Ahead and Chill: The salad actually tastes better after resting in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld together. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or bringing to potlucks and summer gatherings.
• Customize with Ease: Home cooks can easily swap ingredients like using rotisserie chicken, adding different herbs, or switching up the cheese type to match personal tastes or what's available in the kitchen.

What You’ll Need For Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad

• Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that adds richness and substance to the salad, store-bought or fresh varieties work well.

• Chicken: Lean protein that gives the salad a hearty texture, can be grilled, baked, or pan-fried.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, Red Onion: Colorful mix that provides crunch, freshness, and nutritional balance, choose ripe and crisp produce.

• Parmesan: Sharp, salty cheese that adds depth and umami flavor, freshly grated recommended.

• Balsamic Vinaigrette: Tangy and sweet dressing that ties all ingredients together, can be homemade or store-bought.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance overall flavor profile.

• Fresh Basil, Parsley: Aromatic herbs that add a bright finish and extra layer of flavor.

• Olive Oil: Healthy oil for cooking chicken and adding subtle flavor.

Easy Instructions For Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad

Step 1: Boil Tortellini Treasure

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Gently drop tortellini into the bubbling water and cook according to package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool down the tortellini.

• Tortellini
• Water

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then slice or dice into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Assemble the Flavor Fiesta

• Cooled tortellini
• Sliced chicken
• Cherry tomatoes
• Fresh spinach leaves
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Pour balsamic vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Use salad tongs or two large spoons to gently toss everything together, ensuring each ingredient gets a delicious coating of dressing.

Step 5: Taste and Tweak

Give the salad a quick taste. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a splash more dressing if needed.

Step 6: Chill and Settle

Cover the bowl and pop it into the refrigerator. Let the salad rest and chill for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle some fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top for an extra burst of color and flavor. Enjoy your vibrant and refreshing salad!

Tips For Better Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad

• Maximize Tortellini Texture: Rinse cooked tortellini with cold water immediately to stop cooking and prevent clumping, ensuring each pasta piece remains perfectly tender and separate.
• Boost Chicken Flavor: Season chicken generously with salt and pepper before cooking, and let it rest after cooking to lock in juices and maintain maximum moisture and tenderness.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Make this salad up to a day in advance to allow flavors to meld together, creating a more robust and delicious dish that tastes even better after chilling.
• Balance Vinaigrette Coating: Toss salad gently but thoroughly to ensure every ingredient gets an even layer of balsamic vinaigrette without becoming soggy or overdressed.
• Fresh Herb Enhancement: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley just before serving to add a bright, aromatic finish and elevate the overall flavor profile of the salad.

How To Store Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad The Right Way

• Refrigerate leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the salad cool and fresh by storing it in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
• Toss the salad gently before serving to redistribute the dressing and revive the ingredients.
• If the tortellini or spinach seems slightly wilted after storage, a quick sprinkle of fresh herbs can help refresh the overall appearance and taste.

FAQs About Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad

• What makes the balsamic vinaigrette special in this salad?

The balsamic vinaigrette adds a tangy, sweet flavor that perfectly complements the chicken and cheese tortellini, creating a rich and balanced taste profile that elevates the entire dish.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep. You can prepare it a day in advance, and the flavors will actually improve as they meld together in the refrigerator. Just add the fresh herbs right before serving.

• Is this salad a good option for a light meal or a potluck?

Yes! It’s versatile and works great as a main dish for lunch, a light dinner, or a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution. The combination of protein, pasta, and fresh vegetables makes it both satisfying and nutritious.

• How can I make this salad more protein-packed?

You can easily increase the protein by adding grilled shrimp, chopped hard-boiled eggs, or additional cooked chicken. These additions will make the salad even more filling and nutritious.

Tasty Pairings With Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the tangy balsamic and fresh vegetable notes of the salad.
• Match with Crusty Artisan Bread: Serve alongside a rustic sourdough or ciabatta to provide a crunchy texture contrast and help soak up the delicious vinaigrette.
• Enhance with Fresh Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add extra brightness and cut through the richness of the chicken and cheese.
• Serve with Sparkling Water: Choose a citrus-infused sparkling water to refresh the palate and balance the salad's robust flavors, offering a light and hydrating accompaniment.

Fun Twists On Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad

• Mediterranean Makeover: Swap traditional tortellini with whole wheat or spinach-filled tortellini, add kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and replace balsamic vinaigrette with Greek-inspired herb dressing.
• Protein Power Boost: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp or seared salmon, incorporate quinoa alongside tortellini, and mix in roasted chickpeas for extra protein and crunch.
• Veggie Lovers' Edition: Transform the salad into a vegetarian option by substituting chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms, adding grilled zucchini, and including toasted pine nuts for depth of flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Use chipotle-seasoned chicken, replace spinach with arugula, add black beans, corn kernels, and drizzle with a spicy cilantro-lime vinaigrette for a zesty kick.

Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor Mediterranean-inspired “Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad” where tangy notes dance with hearty ingredients. Colorful pasta, tender chicken, and zesty dressing create a perfect harmony that refreshes palates and satisfies hunger with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 (9 ounces / 255 grams) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup baby spinach

Cheese and Seasoning:

• ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dressing and Oil:

• ¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken if needed)

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare tortellini by boiling in salted water according to package instructions, ensuring a perfectly al dente texture. Immediately drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking process and prevent sticking.
2. Season chicken generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté in extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until golden brown and fully cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes per side.
3. Allow chicken to cool completely on a cutting board, then slice or dice into bite-sized pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the salad.
4. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine cooled tortellini, prepared chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh baby spinach leaves, thinly sliced red onion, and grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the salad ingredients, tossing gently but thoroughly to ensure every component is evenly coated with the tangy dressing.
6. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning as needed, adding a pinch of salt or extra cracked pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
7. Refrigerate the salad for 20-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to chill, creating a refreshing and cohesive dish.
8. Before serving, optionally garnish with fresh basil or chopped parsley to add a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch.

Notes

• Quickly cool tortellini by rinsing with cold water to prevent overcooking and maintain a perfect al dente texture.
• Opt for precooked rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor, making meal prep a breeze.
• Customize the salad by swapping spinach with arugula for a peppery kick or adding grilled vegetables for more depth.
• Keep the salad fresh by storing dressing separately and mixing just before serving to prevent soggy ingredients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg