Print

High Protein Creamy Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad with White Beans and Grilled Chicken Strips

A bowl of High Protein Caprese Pasta Salad featuring orecchiette pasta, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and sliced chicken coated in pesto.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This recipe creates a high-protein pasta salad featuring classic Caprese flavors, boosted with grilled chicken and cannellini beans, bound with a light pesto dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz chickpea or lentil pasta
  • 1 cup grilled chicken breast, cut into strips
  • 1 (15 oz) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls (bocconcini)
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or whole milk)
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the pesto, Greek yogurt, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. This is your dressing.
  3. Add the cooled pasta, grilled chicken strips, rinsed cannellini beans, halved tomatoes, and mozzarella pearls to the bowl with the dressing.
  4. Gently toss all ingredients until the pasta and additions are evenly coated with the creamy pesto dressing.
  5. Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves.
  6. Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to combine.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free option, confirm your chickpea or lentil pasta is certified gluten-free.
  • If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add 1/2 cup of chopped artichoke hearts for texture.
  • Taste the salad before serving; you may need a small splash of water or extra vinegar if the dressing thickens too much while chilling.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savoryskies.com/high-protein-caprese-pasta-salad/