This Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad combines juicy grilled chicken, vibrant summer fruits like peaches and cherries, and fresh vegetables for a dish that’s both refreshing and hearty. Tossed with a tangy lemon-olive oil dressing and topped with creamy burrata, it’s perfect for a light summer dinner or as a potluck dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Flavorful: Grilled chicken, juicy peaches, and fresh basil create a vibrant, flavorful salad.
Light and Hearty: The combination of protein, pasta, and vegetables makes this a satisfying meal.
Perfect for Summer: The grilled peaches and sweet cherries add a seasonal twist, making this a perfect dish for warm weather.
Quick and Easy: The recipe is simple to make, with grilling and boiling involved, and it’s ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

Chicken breast tenders
Your favorite citrusy marinade
Farfalle pasta (or any small pasta)
Fresh peaches, grilled
Lemon juice
Fresh cherries
Burrata cheese
Fresh corn on the cob, grilled
Fresh basil
Marinated red onions (olive oil, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper)

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

Directions

Marinate the Chicken and Red Onions: Marinate the chicken in your citrusy marinade for about 2 hours. Marinate the red onions with red wine vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Grill the Peaches and Chicken: Grill the peaches and chicken, cooking the chicken for about 5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Grill the peaches for 2-3 minutes per side until marked and tender. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta until al dente, following the package instructions.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup olive oil with the juice of one lemon.
Assemble the Salad: Combine the pasta with the lemon-olive oil dressing. Fold in the grilled chicken, peaches, cherries, marinated onions (drained), corn, burrata, and basil. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Substitute Chicken: You can use grilled shrimp or even tofu for a lighter option.
Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in more vegetables like cucumbers or tomatoes.
Different Cheese: Swap burrata for mozzarella or feta cheese for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold, but you can warm the chicken slightly before serving if desired.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes, any small pasta like fusilli or penne would work well in this salad.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving.

Can I use grilled vegetables?

Yes, you can add grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor.

How can I make the salad spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes to the marinated onions or drizzle some hot sauce on top.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the chicken and add more grilled vegetables or a protein like chickpeas.

Conclusion

This Grilled Chicken Pasta Salad is a fresh, light, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for summer. With juicy grilled chicken, sweet peaches, and creamy burrata, this dish is full of flavor and texture. Easy to make and full of vibrant ingredients, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering.