Caprese Rigatoni Salad
This vibrant Caprese Rigatoni Salad combines the rich flavors of fresh grape tomatoes, creamy bocconcini mozzarella, and tender chicken in a delightful pasta dish. Tossed with aromatic basil, a splash of tangy red wine vinegar, and a drizzle of olive oil, this recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or a delightful picnic dish. Ready in under 30 minutes, this salad is not only easy to make but also packed with a balance of freshness and comforting flavors. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a delightful culinary experience that friends and family will love.
N/A
Servings
180
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Grape tomatoes
1 lb (halved)
Bocconcini
4 oz (halved)
Fresh basil
1/2 cup (torn)
Red wine vinegar
1/4 cup
Olive oil
1 1/2 tbsp
Rigatoni pasta
1/2 lb
Cooked chicken
1 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
In a large serving bowl, combine the halved grape tomatoes, bocconcini, torn basil, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. Give it a gentle toss and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2
Meanwhile, cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
3
Once the pasta has cooled slightly, add it to the bowl with the tomato mixture along with the shredded chicken. Gently toss everything together until evenly combined.
4
Season to taste with salt and pepper. If desired, top with extra fresh basil before serving.
Nutrition Information
6.7g
Fat
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caprese Rigatoni Salad?
It is a vibrant pasta dish featuring grape tomatoes, bocconcini mozzarella, shredded chicken, and fresh basil.
How many calories are in one serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 180 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
The dish contains 6.7g of fat per serving.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides 8g of protein per serving.
How long does it take to prepare this meal?
The recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
What type of pasta is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of rigatoni pasta.
What kind of cheese is used in the Caprese Rigatoni Salad?
It uses 4 oz of bocconcini, which are small mozzarella balls.
How many grape tomatoes do I need?
You will need 1 lb of grape tomatoes.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The grape tomatoes should be halved.
What is the dressing made of?
The dressing is a combination of 1/4 cup red wine vinegar and 1 1/2 tbsp of olive oil.
How much chicken is added to the salad?
The recipe includes 1 cup of shredded cooked chicken.
How should the fresh basil be prepared?
Half a cup of fresh basil should be torn.
Why do I need to let the tomato mixture sit for 10 minutes?
Letting the mixture sit allows the flavors of the tomatoes, cheese, basil, vinegar, and oil to meld.
At what temperature should the salad be served?
It can be served either chilled or at room temperature.
Is this recipe suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is described as a delightful picnic dish.
How should the pasta be cooked?
The rigatoni should be cooked until al dente according to package instructions.
Should the pasta be cooled before mixing?
Yes, the pasta should be drained and allowed to cool slightly before adding it to the bowl.
How many main ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients listed.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include pasta, salad, quick recipe, caprese, italian, mozzarella, and chicken.
Can I add extra seasoning?
Yes, you should season to taste with salt and pepper.
What can I use as a garnish?
You can top the salad with extra fresh basil if desired.
Is this considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a 30-minute meal.
What is the preparation for the bocconcini?
The bocconcini should be halved.
Does the recipe include fiber information?
The fiber content is not specified in the provided data.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The sugar content is listed as null in the recipe data.
What is the recipe ID for this dish?
The recipe ID is caprese-rigatoni-salad.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make it vegetarian by simply omitting the cooked chicken.
Is this dish Italian?
Yes, it is categorized with an 'italian' tag.
Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of grape tomatoes?
Yes, cherry tomatoes are a suitable substitute for grape tomatoes.
How is the chicken prepared for the salad?
The chicken should be cooked and then shredded.