This warm balsamic chicken tortellini salad is a wonderful mix of tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh veggies, all drizzled with tasty balsamic dressing. Yum!
It’s quick and easy to make, which is great for busy nights. I love how it’s filling yet light—perfect for impressing friends without fussing too much in the kitchen!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: For a lean protein, chicken breast is great. If you’re looking for a substitution, try turkey, or for a vegetarian option, tofu or chickpeas work well too!
Tortellini: This recipe uses tortellini for a hearty twist. You can easily swap in any pasta shape you have on hand, like penne or farfalle, or use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus adds a crunch. If it’s out of season, green beans or broccoli can be good alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they remain crisp.
Balsamic Vinegar: This ingredient brings a wonderful tang. A red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute, but you might want to add a little extra sweetness to balance the flavors.
Fresh Basil: While fresh basil adds great flavor, dried basil can be used in a pinch. Just use less, as dried herbs are more potent!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but there’s an easy way to get it just right. First, season the chicken pieces well to enhance their flavor.
- Use a medium heat to allow for even cooking. Cooking too quickly can dry it out.
- Check that the chicken is golden on one side before turning it to ensure a great sear.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). A meat thermometer is very handy for this!
Let it rest for a couple of minutes off the heat to allow juices to redistribute, for tender, juicy chicken in your salad!
How to Make Warm Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into pieces
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
Optional Garnishes:
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salad takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes on prepping ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking everything together. Perfect for a quick and lovely meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. While that’s warming up, season the diced chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it’s fully cooked and golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside for later.
2. Prepare the Tortellini:
In the same skillet, add the tortellini. If you’re using frozen tortellini, cook it according to the package instructions, which is usually about 8-10 minutes. If you have fresh tortellini, it will take around 3-5 minutes. Give it a stir occasionally to keep it from sticking!
3. Add the Vegetables:
When the tortellini has about 3 minutes left to cook, add the asparagus, cherry tomatoes, carrots, and red onion right into the skillet. This will help lightly cook the veggies while keeping some of their crunch. Yum!
4. Make the Balsamic Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and honey (or maple syrup) until combined. This will create a lovely sauce that enhances the flavors of your salad.
5. Combine Everything:
Once the tortellini and veggies are cooked, drain any excess water from the skillet, then return the cooked chicken to the pan. Pour the balsamic mixture over the chicken and tortellini, stirring everything together to make sure it’s evenly coated. It smells amazing already!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from the heat. If you’d like, stir in the fresh basil for extra flavor. Now it’s time to serve! Scoop the warm salad onto plates and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if you want. Enjoy your warm balsamic chicken tortellini salad—dinner is served!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While tortellini is delicious, you can substitute it with other types of pasta like penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose, ensuring it’s cooked al dente before adding vegetables.
What Can I Substitute for Chicken in This Salad?
If you prefer a meatless option, you can use chickpeas or white beans for protein. For a different kind of meat, grilled shrimp or pan-seared tofu would also work well. Just make sure to season and cook them appropriately before adding them to the dish!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep the tortellini moist, and warm it up on the stove over low heat for the best texture.
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
You can prepare components in advance! Cook the chicken and veggies, and make the balsamic dressing ahead of time. Store everything separately in the fridge, and simply combine and heat just before serving to keep the tortellini al dente and the veggies crisp.
