Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad with Asparagus and Grape Tomatoes Recipe

If you’re craving a fresh, hearty meal that tastes like summer in a bowl, this Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad with Asparagus and Grape Tomatoes absolutely delivers. Packed with vibrant vegetables, pillowy cheese tortellini, and tangy balsamic-marinated chicken, it’s the kind of recipe that instantly brightens your table—and your mood!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the best part: you only need a handful of simple, fresh ingredients to bring this Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad with Asparagus and Grape Tomatoes to life. Every component adds a perfect pop—whether that’s creamy, crunchy, tangy, or sweet. Here’s what makes this salad so irresistibly good:

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced: Lean and quick-cooking, these soak up the balsamic marinade beautifully—making every bite pop with flavor.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and veggies, adding richness and great texture.
• 1/4 cup Italian dressing: A tangy, herby base for the sauce—use your favorite store-bought or homemade version.
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar: The star of the show, delivering a deep, sweet-tart kick that binds all the salad ingredients together.
• 1 1/2 tablespoons honey: Balances the tartness of the balsamic with a touch of natural sweetness.
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes: For just the right amount of gentle heat—add extra if you’re feeling bold!
• 1 teaspoon salt: Brings out the flavors in both veggies and protein.
• 1 pound asparagus: Snap-fresh and vibrant, asparagus adds a crisp, green crunch and compliments the tangy dressing.
• 3/4 cup shredded carrots: Sweet, colorful, and loaded with crunch.
• 3/4 cup grape tomatoes: Their natural juiciness and mild acidity brighten the entire salad.
• 1 (20-ounce) package cheese tortellini, cooked: Tender, cheesy bites that make this salad totally crave-worthy.
• Fresh minced basil (optional): For a fragrant, summery garnish that gives a lovely finish to your dish.

Variations

The beauty of Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad with Asparagus and Grape Tomatoes is how forgiving (and customizable) it is! Whether you’re switching things up for dietary needs or using up what’s in the fridge, there are endless ways to make this recipe your own.

• Swap the protein: Try grilled shrimp, leftover rotisserie chicken, or even crispy chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
• Change the veggies: Broccoli florets, sugar snap peas, or bell pepper strips work fantastically here.
• Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free tortellini or your favorite GF pasta shape for a celiac-friendly meal.
• Make it dairy-free: Replace cheese tortellini with dairy-free pasta and top with toasted pine nuts for crunch.

How to Make Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad with Asparagus and Grape Tomatoes

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Start by cooking the cheese tortellini according to package instructions. Once perfectly tender, drain and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. I like to toss them gently with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking while I prep the rest of the salad.

Step 2: Whisk the Balsamic Dressing

In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the Italian dressing, balsamic vinegar, honey, and crushed red chili pepper flakes. Whisk well (or shake-shake-shake!) until everything is emulsified into a glossy dressing. Set aside—you’ll use some for the chicken and the rest for the salad itself.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your sliced chicken breast, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and cover the pan. Give each side 2-3 minutes until they’re golden and cooked through. Pour in about 1/4 cup of the balsamic dressing and let it bubble and thicken for a minute, turning the chicken to fully coat those juicy pieces.

Step 4: Prep and Cook the Veggies

Without wiping the pan, toss in your chopped asparagus and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Next, add the shredded carrots. Sauté everything together until the veggies are crisp-tender—cooked through but still colorful with a little bite.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

To the big bowl with your tortellini, add the sautéed chicken, veggies, and sliced grape tomatoes. Pour the remaining balsamic dressing over top, then gently toss everything together so the sauce coats every nook and cranny. If you’d like, a final sprinkle of fresh basil here is pure magic for both aroma and flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Your Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad with Asparagus and Grape Tomatoes is ready to shine! Serve it straight from the bowl while it’s warm, or chill it for later—this dish is just as glorious cold as it is fresh from the kitchen.

How to Serve Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad with Asparagus and Grape Tomatoes

Garnishes

For a fresh, aromatic finish, scatter finely chopped fresh basil or a handful of microgreens over the top just before serving. Extra shavings of parmesan add a wonderful nutty-salty bite. If you like a little more zest, a squeeze of lemon or a crack of black pepper right at the table is always a winner.

Side Dishes

Pair this salad with a warm hunk of rustic bread or a baguette—perfect for soaking up any stray dressing! For a bigger spread, add a simple green salad, a light soup like gazpacho, or a platter of marinated olives. It’s hearty enough for a meal on its own, but these sides make your table feel extra abundant.

Creative Ways to Present

Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad with Asparagus and Grape Tomatoes looks gorgeous arranged on a large platter with all the colorful ingredients artfully displayed. Try layering in a glass trifle bowl for dramatic effect, or serve individual portions in small mason jars for a picnic, potluck, or meal-prep lunch. For parties, pile it into lettuce cups for handheld bites!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pack leftover Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad with Asparagus and Grape Tomatoes into airtight containers and pop them in the fridge. The flavors get even better as they mingle! Enjoy within 4–5 days for maximum freshness and crunch.

Freezing

While you can technically freeze this dish, the tortellini and vegetables tend to lose their bright texture once thawed. For freezer-friendly meal prep, store cooked (bare) chicken flat in freezer bags, and assemble with fresh vegetables and tortellini after thawing for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring after each one, until just warmed through. Alternatively, serve the salad straight from the fridge as a refreshing cold pasta salad—truly, it’s delicious both ways!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an easy, show-stopping meal to spice up your weekly rotation, I can’t recommend Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad with Asparagus and Grape Tomatoes enough. With its playful pops of color and irresistible flavor, it’s sure to put a smile on your face—whether you’re sharing with friends or savoring it solo. Let me know how you make it your own!

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