Balsamic Chicken Pasta Salad

Name: Balsamic Chicken Pasta Salad
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients: 3 cups uncooked bow tie pasta; 4 cups cubed cooked chicken breast; 2 cups chopped tomatoes; 1/2 cup chopped red onion; 4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled; 1/4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese; 1/2 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup minced fresh basil; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

I love all the colors and flavors of this quick and easy dish and serve it often in summer, to the delight of my guests! You can't beat the combination of Gorgonzola and bacon. Leftover grilled shrimp makes a tasty substitute for chicken. —Terry McCarty, Oro Grande, California

Ingredients

3 cups uncooked bow tie pasta
4 cups cubed cooked chicken breast
2 cups chopped tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped red onion
4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1/4 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup minced fresh basil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water; transfer to a large bowl. Add the chicken, tomatoes, onion, bacon and Gorgonzola cheese.
In a small bowl, whisk the oil, basil, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, salt and pepper. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts

1-1/3 cup: 408 calories, 20g fat (5g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 323mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein.

Originally published as Chicken Roma Pasta Salad in Simple & Delicious July/August 2009

Reviews

My Review

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Average Rating:

cedwards59

Jul 6, 2016

I loved everything about this salad except the amount of brown sugar in the dressing. Will cut it in half next time. I really enjoyed the tang of the balsamic vinegar and feel about half as much sugar would allow for an even balance of sweetness and tanginess. I will happily share this recipe with friends and family, as it is not the average run of the mill pasta salad! Very Good!
cbenne12

Oct 23, 2015

This was fabulous! Will definitely be making this again and again. I will say, it was better warm than cold.
sjmdam

Aug 16, 2015

very good light refreshing summer salad.. we enjoyed it!
Dilli

Jul 10, 2015

Do you use the mini bow tie or the regular size? I tried the regular and they seemed a little too large. The salad was delicious and very definite one for a summer dish. Everyone liked it.
NDachshund2

Jul 29, 2013

This recipe was light and great for a warm summer night as the main meal.
Punkyjoe81

Jul 22, 2013

We loved this pasta salad! My husband raved about it even though he isn't a huge fan of gorgonzola. He requested I make extra next time so he can bring it to work for lunch!
blue_eyes998

Jul 9, 2013

This was delightful! I swapped and doubled feta for Gorgonzola, and threw in some sugar snap peas from the garden which was a great addition. This recipe's a keeper.
joycerm53

Jul 7, 2013

This is delicious! It is quick and easy, and my family loves it! I love to make it ahead and bring it to the lake for that first dinner after we arrive and get settled. Simple and Delicious!
ANGEL2BE48

Jul 6, 2013

5 Star Rating and then some... everyone at my party loved it. I would highly recommend this dish. You won't be disappointed.
jnjrok

Jul 4, 2013

Simply delicious, made as per recipe, nice combination of flavors. Not for those that dislike the taste of gorgonzola or blue cheese