The Warm Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad Recipe is a delightful dish that brings together tender, juicy chicken, tender-crisp vegetables, and pillowy cheese tortellini tossed in a tangy-sweet balsamic dressing. This salad is anything but ordinary—it combines warm, hearty elements with fresh garden flavors and just the right hint of spice, creating a perfect meal for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight supper or a crowd-pleasing dish to share, this recipe will quickly become a favorite go-to for adding a touch of comfort and sophistication to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients come together in this salad to offer a wonderful balance of textures and flavors. Each item plays a crucial role, whether it’s the juicy chicken for protein, the bright vegetables for crunch and color, or the luscious tortellini to satisfy your carb cravings.
- Chicken breasts: Sliced for quick cooking and a tender bite that blends beautifully with the dressing.
- Asparagus: Adds a fresh, grassy flavor and satisfying crunch.
- Shredded carrots: Provide subtle sweetness and vibrant color to the salad.
- Grape tomatoes: Halved to release juicy bursts of freshness in every forkful.
- Cheese tortellini: The creamy, cheesy filling makes this salad comforting and filling.
- Fresh minced basil (optional): A fragrant herb that elevates the salad’s aroma and taste.
- Olive oil: For cooking the chicken to a luscious golden brown and enriching the dressing.
- Italian dressing: Adds tang, herbs, and a zesty base to the balsamic sauce.
- Balsamic vinegar: The star ingredient that lends rich acidity and a hint of sweetness.
- Honey: Balances out the acidity with a gentle, natural sweetness.
- Crushed red chili pepper flakes: A pinch heats things up just enough to keep the flavors exciting.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the wonderful flavors.
How to Make Warm Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Begin by cooking the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Once perfectly tender, drain it and set it aside in a large bowl where it will mingle later with the chicken and vegetables. This soft bed of pasta will soak up all those fantastic balsamic flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the Balsamic Dressing
Next, combine the Italian dressing, balsamic vinegar, honey, and crushed red chili pepper flakes in a small bowl or a jar with a lid. Whisk or shake everything together until it’s beautifully blended into a glossy, flavorful sauce. This dressing is the magic touch that ties the whole salad together.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts and season them generously with salt. Cover and cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. This method ensures juicy, flavorful chicken that’s ready to absorb the balsamic glaze.
Step 4: Simmer the Chicken in Balsamic Sauce
Pour 1/4 cup of the prepared balsamic dressing into the pan with the chicken and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for about a minute, turning the chicken frequently to coat it evenly in the tangy sauce. Once perfectly glazed, transfer the chicken to the bowl with the tortellini and toss gently to combine the layers of flavor.
Step 5: Cook the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the chopped asparagus and cook for roughly 3 minutes, stirring every now and then to prevent sticking or burning. Following that, stir in the shredded carrots and continue cooking until the veggies are tender yet still retain a slight crunch. This vibrant mix ensures the salad stays fresh and lively.
Step 6: Combine and Finish the Salad
Add the cooked vegetables and sliced grape tomatoes to the large bowl with the chicken and tortellini. Pour over the remaining balsamic dressing, then return the pan to the heat and let the salad simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the dressing thickens just a bit. Give everything a gentle toss, making sure each bite is bursting with flavor and color.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
If you love fresh herbs, sprinkle chopped fresh minced basil on top for an extra flavor boost. Serve the salad while it’s warm for a truly comforting and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.
How to Serve Warm Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh basil is a wonderful way to kick up the aroma and taste. For a little extra crunch and zest, try sprinkling some toasted pine nuts or shaved Parmesan. These small touches create layers of flavor that enhance every forkful.
Side Dishes
This salad is quite filling on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider serving it alongside a warm, crusty garlic bread or a light cucumber and herb salad. These sides keep the meal balanced and provide refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Warm Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad Recipe in a large, shallow bowl to showcase the beautiful colors and textures. For a party or picnic, spoon the salad into individual mason jars for an attractive, portable treat. No matter how you present it, this dish is sure to elevate any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Warm Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often meld and become even more delicious overnight. Just be sure to give it a quick toss before serving again.
Freezing
Because the salad contains cooked pasta and fresh vegetables, freezing is not recommended as it can affect texture and taste. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of preparation for optimal flavor and quality.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the salad in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to prevent uneven heating and soggy vegetables. Adding a splash of olive oil or a little extra balsamic dressing can freshen it up beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini gives this salad its creamy twist, you can swap in other fresh or frozen filled pastas like ravioli or even penne if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! The Warm Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad Recipe is great for preparing ahead. Keep the dressing separate if possible and add it just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, artichoke hearts, or roasted bell peppers to keep it hearty and satisfying without the meat.
How spicy is this salad?
The crushed red chili flakes add a gentle warmth without overpowering the dish. You can always adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance or omit them for a milder flavor.
What type of balsamic vinegar works best?
Use a good-quality aged balsamic vinegar for the best depth and sweetness. Avoid very sharp or low-quality balsamics, as the flavor could become too harsh and overpower the other ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Trying out the Warm Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad Recipe is like inviting a friend who knows how to make everything taste better to your dinner table. It’s a wonderful blend of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and creamy tortellini, all brought together by a perfectly balanced balsamic dressing. Simple ingredients with extraordinary results make this dish a true winner, so give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals!
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Warm Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Warm Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad combines tender chicken breasts, vibrant asparagus, shredded carrots, and grape tomatoes tossed with cheese tortellini. Coated in a tangy balsamic and Italian dressing vinaigrette with a hint of honey and crushed red chili flakes, it’s a flavorful, satisfying dish perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Proteins
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced
Vegetables
- 1 pound asparagus, chopped
- 3/4 cup shredded carrots
- 3/4 cup grape tomatoes, sliced
- Fresh minced basil, optional, for garnish
Pasta
- 1 20-ounce package cheese tortellini, cooked according to package instructions
Sauce & Dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1/8 teaspoon crushed red chili pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini: Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Once done, drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl to keep warm.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl or a sealed jar, combine the Italian dressing, balsamic vinegar, honey, and crushed red chili pepper flakes. Whisk or shake vigorously until all ingredients are well incorporated, then set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts, season evenly with salt, and cover the pan. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through.
- Simmer chicken in sauce: Pour 1/4 cup of the prepared sauce into the pan with the chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 1 minute, turning the chicken pieces to coat thoroughly with the sauce. Transfer the coated chicken to the bowl with the tortellini and toss gently to combine.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same frying pan, add the chopped asparagus and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Add the shredded carrots next and continue cooking until the vegetables are tender yet retain a slight crunch.
- Combine all components: Add the cooked vegetables and sliced grape tomatoes to the tortellini and chicken mixture. Pour the remaining sauce over the entire mixture, then simmer together in the pan for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Gently toss everything to combine well.
- Serve and garnish: If desired, sprinkle fresh minced basil over the salad before serving. Serve immediately warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian dressing with your favorite vinaigrette for different flavor profiles.
- If fresh basil is not available, dried basil can be used, though fresh adds a brighter flavor.
- To speed up prep, cook the tortellini and chicken simultaneously in different pans.
- For extra heat, increase the amount of crushed red chili flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
