Zingy Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

Summertime brings an explosion of fresh flavors with this delightful balsamic chicken tortellini salad that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Tender chicken pieces dance among soft, pillowy tortellini, creating a delicious harmony of textures.

Bright, zesty balsamic dressing weaves through each ingredient, adding a sophisticated touch to this easy meal.

Crisp vegetables provide a satisfying crunch that complements the pasta’s softness.

Colorful and packed with protein, this salad serves as a perfect light lunch or refreshing dinner option.

Herbs sprinkled throughout add an extra layer of aromatic goodness.

Prepare to be delighted by this simple yet extraordinary dish that turns an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes In Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad

• Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that adds rich, creamy texture and transforms a simple salad into a hearty meal.

• Chicken, Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach, Red Onion: Fresh protein and crisp vegetables bring vibrant colors, balanced nutrition, and exciting flavor layers.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds depth and creamy richness to the overall dish.

• Balsamic Vinaigrette: Tangy and sweet sauce that binds ingredients and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Smooth, fruity base for cooking chicken and adding subtle depth.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate and balance the natural flavors of ingredients.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: Optional herb garnish that adds bright, fresh finishing notes.

Gear Up For Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad

• Large Bowl: Essential for mixing all ingredients together.
• Cutting Board: Needed for slicing chicken and chopping vegetables.
• Sharp Knife: For dicing chicken and prepping fresh herbs and vegetables.
• Colander: Great for draining and rinsing tortellini after cooking.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Helpful for accurately portioning ingredients.
• Cooking Skillet: Used to cook chicken if not already prepared.
• Wooden Spoon or Tongs: Perfect for tossing salad and mixing ingredients.

How To Toss Together Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad

• Boil Tortellini

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and quickly cool under cold running water to stop cooking process.

• Prepare Protein

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sauté in olive oil over medium heat until fully cooked. Allow to cool, then slice into bite-sized pieces.

• Combine Fresh Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, toss together the cooled tortellini, sliced chicken, juicy cherry tomatoes, vibrant spinach leaves, thinly sliced red onion, and grated Parmesan cheese.

• Dress and Mix

Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the salad. Gently toss ingredients until evenly coated, ensuring every piece gets a flavorful splash of dressing.

• Enhance Flavors

Sample the salad and adjust seasonings to your taste preference. Add extra salt, pepper, or dressing as needed.

• Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the salad for 20-30 minutes to let flavors meld together. Before serving, sprinkle with fresh chopped basil or parsley for a bright, aromatic finish.

Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks For Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad

• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the chicken and tortellini a day ahead to save time and let flavors meld overnight for an even more delicious salad.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Use gluten-free tortellini or replace with quinoa or rice for a celiac-friendly version that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Protein Power-Up: Experiment with different proteins like grilled shrimp, tofu, or sliced steak to keep the dish exciting and versatile for various dietary preferences.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Play around with fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or mint to add unexpected depth and brightness to the salad's overall flavor profile.
• Vegan Transformation: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or marinated tempeh, and use dairy-free Parmesan alternative to create a completely plant-based version of this delightful dish.

Ways To Serve Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad

• Fresh Picnic Delight: Pack this zesty salad in mason jars for a perfect outdoor lunch with friends or family.
• Elegant Appetizer Twist: Serve small portions in mini martini glasses as a sophisticated starter for dinner parties, garnishing with extra basil leaves.
• Protein Power Lunch: Transform the salad into a hearty work or school meal by adding additional grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition and crunch.
• Mediterranean-Style Plating: Arrange the salad on a large wooden board with scattered fresh herbs, olives, and extra Parmesan shavings for a rustic, inviting presentation that looks effortlessly gourmet.

Smart Storage Tips For Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad

• Refrigerator Storage Magic: Keep this delightful salad sealed in an airtight container for up to 3 days, maintaining maximum flavor and freshness.
• Advance Prep Power: Chop vegetables and cook chicken earlier in the week, allowing quick assembly when hunger strikes or unexpected guests arrive.
• Smart Ingredient Separation: Store dressing separately from salad components to prevent soggy tortellini and keep spinach crisp until serving moment.
• Temperature Tip: Always serve chilled for best taste experience – remove from refrigerator 10 minutes before enjoying to let flavors harmonize perfectly.

Vibrant Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Delicious balsamic chicken tortellini salad delivers Mediterranean flavors with zesty complexity. Fresh ingredients and bold dressing create a satisfying meal packed with protein and tangy notes you’ll savor completely.

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Ingredients

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• 1 package (9 oz / 255 g) refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup baby spinach
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• ¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking chicken if needed)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Tortellini Preparation: Boil tortellini in salted water until al dente, then promptly drain and rinse with cold water to prevent further cooking and clumping.
2. Chicken Seasoning and Cooking: Season chicken with salt and black pepper, then sauté in olive oil over medium heat until golden and thoroughly cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes per side.
3. Chicken Processing: Cool chicken completely, then slice or dice into uniform bite-sized pieces for optimal salad distribution.
4. Salad Assembly: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled tortellini, prepared chicken, cherry tomatoes, baby spinach, red onion, and Parmesan cheese, creating a vibrant and textured base.
5. Dressing and Flavor Enhancement: Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette over the salad, gently tossing to ensure even coating and harmonious flavor integration.
6. Final Touches and Chilling: Adjust seasoning to taste, then refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and ingredients to chill.
7. Serving Presentation: Optionally garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving, adding a final aromatic and visual flourish to the dish.

Notes

• Master Al Dente Technique: Cook tortellini precisely to avoid mushy texture, watching pot closely and testing pasta firmness every minute during boiling.
• Chicken Searing Secrets: Use high-quality olive oil and ensure pan is hot before adding chicken to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior without drying meat interior.
• Chill and Blend Flavors: Refrigeration allows balsamic vinaigrette to deeply penetrate ingredients, creating more complex and harmonious taste profile.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Easily substitute cheese tortellini with gluten-free or whole wheat options, swap chicken for grilled tofu, or use vegan Parmesan for plant-based version.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg