Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad Bowls

(2)

Pasta salad is a classic summer side dish, but adding protein (leftover grilled chicken is perfect here) and extra greens makes it a super-satisfying lunch. We use baby spinach, but arugula or baby kale works too. Top with a bright and tangy basil vinaigrette just before serving. The great news is that these easy meal-prep lunches take just 20 minutes to prepare—that's 4 days of lunches in less than 30 minutes.

Prep Time:
15 mins
Additional Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
20 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
4 containers

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces whole-grain rotini

  • 1 (5 ounce) package baby spinach (about 6 cups)

  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast

  • 1 cup pearl-size or mini mozzarella balls (about 4 ounces)

  • 1/2 cup Basil Vinaigrette (see Associated Recipes)

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook rotini according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold running water, then drain again and set aside.

  2. Divide spinach among 4 single-serving lidded containers. Top each with 1 cup of the cooked pasta, 1/2 cup tomatoes, 1/2 cup chicken and one-fourth of the mozzarella balls.

  3. Divide vinaigrette among 4 small lidded containers and refrigerate.

  4. Seal the salad containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Dress with the vinaigrette just before serving.

    chicken caprese pasta salad in glass food storage container

To make ahead

Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Associated Recipe

Basil Vinaigrette

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

514 Calories
19g Fat
49g Carbs
36g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size 1 container
Calories 514
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 49g 18%
Dietary Fiber 7g 24%
Total Sugars 6g
Added Sugars 2g 4%
Protein 36g 71%
Total Fat 19g 24%
Saturated Fat 5g 26%
Cholesterol 80mg 27%
Vitamin A 4388IU 88%
Vitamin C 21mg 23%
Folate 86mcg 22%
Sodium 299mg 13%
Calcium 234mg 18%
Iron 4mg 22%
Magnesium 60mg 14%
Potassium 802mg 17%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

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