Name: Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 Chicken Breasts, sliced; 1 tablespoon Olive Oil; 1/4 cup Italian dressing; 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar; 1 1/2 tablespoon Honey; 1/8 teaspoon Crushed Red Chili Pepper Flakes; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1 pound Asparagus; 3/4 cup Shredded Carrots; 3/4 cup Grape Tomatoes; 1 20 ounce package Cheese Tortellini, cooked according to package instructions; Fresh minced basil, optional, for garnish

If you love a meal that’s bursting with flavor, color, and fresh textures, you are in for a treat with this Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad. Tender chicken, pillowy cheese tortellini, and crisp-tender veggies all get tossed in a sweet-tangy balsamic sauce—this is pasta salad’s bold, satisfying cousin and you’ll want to put it on repeat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Jam-Packed with Flavor: The sweet-and-savory balsamic glaze soaks into every bite, making this so much more exciting than your average pasta salad.
Perfect for Every Occasion: From weeknight dinner to summer potlucks, Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad shines chilled or warm.
Loaded with Color and Crunch: Crisp asparagus, juicy grape tomatoes, and shredded carrots make this dish as gorgeous as it is delicious.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It holds up beautifully in the fridge, so you can easily prep it in advance for a fuss-free meal or party.

Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad plays a delicious part—nothing is fussy, and each one brings a pop of flavor, texture, or color to the party! Here’s what makes this salad truly stand out.

Chicken Breasts: Sliced and sautéed until golden, they soak up the balsamic sauce like magic.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the chicken brown beautifully.
Italian Dressing: Lends tang and herby depth to the balsamic glaze—use your favorite bottled or homemade brand.
Balsamic Vinegar: The star of the show, bringing bold sweetness and acidity. Choose a good-quality aged balsamic for the best flavor.
Honey: Just a spoonful balances the tang of the vinegar and ties all the flavors together.
Crushed Red Chili Pepper Flakes: For a subtle kick—feel free to adjust the heat to your taste.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and veggies perfectly.
Asparagus: Adds fresh, springy crunch and vibrant green color. Don’t overcook it!
Shredded Carrots: For sweetness and color—they hold up beautifully in the salad.
Grape Tomatoes: Their juicy bursts brighten every forkful; you can halve them for easier eating.
Cheese Tortellini: Pillowy pasta with creamy cheese filling—choose refrigerated or frozen, and cook just until tender.
Fresh Minced Basil (optional): The finishing touch for an extra pop of freshness and aroma.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad is built for customization! Whether you want to play with flavors, use up what’s in the fridge, or accommodate special diets, you’ve got plenty of options.

Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an ultra speedy version, use shredded rotisserie chicken and simply toss it in the balsamic glaze—no extra cooking required.
Swap the Veggies: Green beans, snap peas, or baby spinach all work beautifully instead of asparagus or carrots for a new twist.
Go Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add more cheese tortellini, or toss in roasted chickpeas for a plant-based boost.
Make it Creamy: Stir in a scoop of pesto or a few dollops of soft goat cheese right before serving for extra richness.

How to Make Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the cheese tortellini. Cook according to the package directions—usually about 3-4 minutes for refrigerated or frozen tortellini—then drain well and set aside in a big mixing bowl. This sets the base for your Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad, so don’t overcook the pasta; you want it tender but not mushy!

Step 2: Whisk the Balsamic Dressing

In a small bowl (or a jar with a lid), combine the Italian dressing, balsamic vinegar, honey, and crushed red chili flakes. Give it all a good whisk (or shake) until the honey dissolves—this will be the secret sauce that brings the whole dish together.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high. Add the sliced chicken and season all over with salt and pepper. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through—don’t overcrowd the pan, and cover to speed things along if you like.

Step 4: Glaze the Chicken

Pour about 1/4 cup of the balsamic dressing into the pan with the chicken. Let it sizzle and bubble for a minute, turning the chicken to coat it in that glossy glaze. This step is what sets Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad apart by flavoring the protein from the inside out!

Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped asparagus to the same pan and sauté for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally so it gets lightly charred but still crisp. Toss in the shredded carrots and cook just until the vegetables are vibrant and tender-crisp. This keeps the salad so lively and fresh.

Step 6: Assemble the Salad

Now comes the magical moment: Add the glazed chicken, sautéed veggies, and grape tomatoes to the bowl with your tortellini. Pour over the rest of the balsamic dressing and toss gently to coat everything. If you like, quickly simmer any remaining sauce in the hot pan to thicken slightly, then drizzle it over the salad for even more flavor.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly minced basil over the top if you have it. Serve your Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad warm or let it chill and serve cold—it’s delicious both ways. The flavors will only get better as they mingle!

Pro Tips for Making Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad

Maximize Balsamic Flavor: Let the chicken simmer in the sauce briefly so it absorbs all those tangy, sweet notes instead of just coating the outside.
Perfect Veggie Texture: Don’t overcook the asparagus and carrots—just a quick sauté keeps them vibrant and crisp for the best salad contrast.
Dress to Impress: If making ahead, reserve a little of the balsamic dressing to toss in just before serving to reawaken all those bold flavors.
Tortellini Smarts: Rinse the pasta briefly with cool water after draining to prevent sticking, especially if you plan to serve the salad chilled.

How to Serve Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil is the classic finishing touch—it brightens every bite and makes the salad pop. You could also add shreds of parmesan or a handful of toasted pine nuts for extra flair and a hint of crunch.

Side Dishes

Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad is hearty enough to shine on its own, but it’s extra lovely alongside crusty bread, a simple green salad, or chilled melon slices on a summer day. If you want to stretch the meal, serve with a platter of marinated olives or a bowl of roasted vegetables.

Creative Ways to Present

For potlucks, pile the salad in a big serving bowl and let everyone help themselves. Hosting a fancier dinner? Serve individual portions in shallow bowls with a little swirl of extra balsamic glaze. As a picnic option, pack Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad into mason jars for a portable and adorable meal-on-the-go!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad stores like a dream! Pop any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate; it’ll keep well for up to 3-4 days. The flavors deepen over time, so it’s just as tasty for a next-day lunch.

Freezing

While you can freeze cooked chicken and veggies, I don’t recommend freezing the whole salad—the cheese tortellini tends to lose its wonderful texture once thawed. For best results, enjoy Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

This salad is delicious cold, but if you want to serve it warm, simply microwave individual portions in 45-second bursts, stirring gently between each, or heat in a skillet over low until just heated through. Add a drizzle of extra dressing to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta in this salad?

Absolutely! While cheese tortellini gives this salad its signature heartiness, you can substitute with other stuffed pastas (like ravioli) or even short pastas such as penne if that’s what you have on hand—the flavors will still be fabulous.
Is Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad best served warm or cold?

It’s totally up to you! Serve it warm for cozy comfort or chill it in the fridge and enjoy as a refreshing summer salad. Both ways are equally delicious, and the flavors meld as it sits.
Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?

Yes—Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad is ideal for meal prepping or picnics. You can make everything a day in advance; just hold off on adding fresh basil until serving for the brightest flavor.
What’s the best way to keep the salad from getting soggy?

If you’re making the salad ahead, store extra dressing separately and toss it in just before serving. This keeps the tortellini and veggies perfectly crisp and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something vibrant, comforting, and downright irresistible, give Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad a spot at your table. I promise it’ll win over family and friends alike—and maybe even become your own new go-to for easy but impressive meals. Enjoy every bite!