Looking for the ultimate office lunch that doesn’t have queueing for the microwave or starving at 3pm? This caprese pasta salad is your answer.
With creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, juicy tomatoes and a zesty hint of lemon, it captures all of Italy’s finest flavours in one filling bowl.
Plus, the addition of Myprotein x Iceland Roasted Chicken Breast boosts the protein without any extra faff. Defrost, slice and throw into the salad. It’s that simple.
- What is Caprese pasta salad
- Can you meal prep caprese pasta salad?
- Can you heat caprese pasta salad
- Make it vegan
- Make it gluten free
- Variations and add-ins
- Caprese pasta salad notes & tips
- Equipment needed
- Caprese pasta salad recipe
- Other pasta salad recipes
What is caprese pasta salad?
Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil, and sometimes a balsamic glaze. Caprese pasta salad combines these ingredients with pasta for a heartier twist.
Can you meal prep caprese pasta salad?
Caprese pasta salad is perfect for meal prep — quick to make, easy to divide into portions, and packed with protein and flavour.
Should you heat caprese pasta salad?
While you can heat it up before eating, you don’t need to. The fresh ingredients shine best at room temperature.
Make it vegan
If you can your hands on vegan mozzarella-style cheese, great. If not, you can leave it out or replace it with vegan sour cream or similar.
As for the chicken, swap it for firm tofu or your preferred meat alternative.
Make it gluten-free
Simply substitute the pasta with a gluten-free alternative.
Variations and add-ins
Lighter mozzarella: opt for reduced-fat mozzarella to reduce the calories.
Change the protein: try chorizo or ham for a different twist, or go meat free for a veggie option.
Add more veg: feel free to throw in your favourites.
Notes & tips
While you could chop up a larger ball of mozzarella, using mozzarella pearls is a slightly neater way to elevate the dish, especially if serving for friends.
Balsamic vinegar is also a great accompaniment. Either drizzle it over the pasta as it is, or combine it with honey to make a thicker glaze.
Equipment needed
- Large pan
- Sharp knife
- Chopping board
- Large bowl
Caprese chicken pasta salad recipe
Servings: Serves 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 500g dry pasta
- Handful cherry tomatoes
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 red onion
- 1/2 cucumber
- 2cloves garlic
- Handful capers
- 1ball mozzarella
- 2 Myprotein Iceland roasted chicken breasts
- Bunch basil
- 1 lemon
- 1tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to packet instructions.
Slice the tomatoes, pepper, red onion and cucumber.
Crush the garlic, sprinkle over some salt, and turn it into a paste using the flat edge of the knife.
Roughly chop the capers and mozzarella.
Dice the cooked chicken and roughly chop the basil.
Drain the pasta, drizzle with a little olive oil, and leave it to cool slightly.
Mix all the ingredients with the pasta, adding olive oil, lemon zest and juice.
Serve immediately, saving leftovers for meal prepped lunches.
| calories 676 kcal |
| totalFat 12g |
| totalCarbohydrates 41g |
| protein 40g |
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