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Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Salad is perfect for backyard BBQ’s, potlucks or as a serve yourself side to a charcuterie board night.

BRUSCHETTA CHICKEN PASTA SALAD adapted from CAFE DELITES who adapted it from her single serve version
1 pound spaghetti
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped basil
1 tablespoon FRESH chopped oregano
½ teaspoon garlic powder

FRESH ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon + 1-2 tablespoons avocado oil, divided
2 cloves garlic, FINELY minced
1/4 cup red onion FINELY chopped
2-3 tablespoons QUALITY balsamic vinegar, to taste
8 roma tomatoes, diced
½ cup Parmesan cheese grated, plus more to serve
2 tablespoons each FRESH basil, Italian parsley and oregano, FINELY chopped
3-4 cups torn romaine lettuce
1 drizzle balsamic glaze to serve, optional – I use store bought

• Cook pasta according to package directions; Drain and rinse in cold water. Transfer to a large bowl, drizzle with oil; toss and set aside.
• 
Season chicken with the dried herbs, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
• Heat 1 teaspoon of oil on in a grill pan or skillet, and sear chicken breasts 5-6 per side over medium-high heat until browned on both sides and cooked through.
• Remove from pan; set aside and allow to rest.
• Add the remaining oil to the same hot skillet.
• Sauté the garlic and red onion 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
• Turn off heat. 

• Add in the tomatoes, toss them lightly into the mixture to warm them through and combine all of the flavors.
• Add the tomato mixture onto the pasta. 
Mix in the vinegar, Parmesan cheese, basil and parsley.
• Season with FRESH ground salt and pepper to your taste.
• Slice the chicken and add to pasta.
• Toss the pasta with all of the ingredients until well combined.

• Top with more Parmesan cheese and serve immediately with balsamic glaze, OR refrigerate up to an hour before serving.


NOTES:

• I prefer FRESH copped herbs, but dried work also. Substitute 1-2 teaspoons, to taste.
• Salad can be served warm – heated through in the same pan as the oil tomato mixture.