Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad

Teaching the Alphabet to Toddlers and Pre-schoolers

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I have had the privilege of spending some time in Italy and I am head over heels for Italian food! I love how it is so simple and the fresh, wholesome ingredients make it so wonderful. One of my favorite Italian dishes is "Caprese Salad"- that delightful mix of fresh tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil- sprinkled with good olive oil. So simple and delish! Well that is what inspired this fresh and yummy pasta salad- it is one of my family's faves! I love to make it in the spring and summer when I can use fresh basil from my yard!

Ingredients:

3 cups diced tomatos

2 cups diced grilled chicken

1 cup fresh mozzarella

1 box of rotini pasta (I used whole wheat)

1 batch of my zesty pesto (or pre-made pesto of your choosing)

I like to grill the chicken while my little boy plays outside- I usually grill some extras for other recipes too!

To make this pasta salad, you can start by boiling a pot of water and cooking the pasta.

While that is cooking, dice up the chicken, tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella. I found some that was formed into tiny balls so all I had to do was break them apart!

Make up a batch of pesto (or you can use store bought pesto if it is not basil season, I also like the Knorr pesto mix).

When the pasta is done, drain it and then put it in a bowl with all the other ingredients and stir it up. It is great warm or cold- I like to eat the leftovers for lunch for a few days!