If you’re craving a flavorful, hearty, yet refreshing meal, this Easy Warm Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad will quickly become one of your favorites. This dish combines tender cheese tortellini, juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy-sweet balsamic dressing. It’s an effortless recipe you can whip up in about 30 minutes — perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even potlucks.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Warm Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad
This salad is everything you want in a comforting yet light pasta dish. It has the satisfying bite of cheese-filled tortellini, the protein of juicy chicken breast, and the freshness of asparagus, carrots, and tomatoes. Toss everything in a warm balsamic-honey dressing, and you’ve got a flavor explosion that feels both comforting and gourmet.
- Quick & easy: Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Balanced flavors: Sweet, tangy, savory, and fresh in every bite.
- Versatile: Enjoy it warm for dinner or chilled as a pasta salad.
- Family-friendly: Everyone loves tortellini, and the mild dressing appeals to all ages.
- Healthy twist: Filled with protein and veggies for a nutritious, colorful meal.
Ingredients for Easy Warm Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad
For the Salad
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 20 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- ¾ cup shredded carrots
- ¾ cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
For the Balsamic Dressing
- ¼ cup Italian dressing
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp crushed red chili flakes (optional for mild spice)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken: Swap for grilled shrimp, tofu, or roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese Tortellini: You can use spinach-ricotta or mushroom-filled tortellini for variation.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Use apple cider vinegar or lemon juice if you prefer a lighter flavor.
- Honey: Maple syrup works great as a vegan alternative.
- Asparagus: Substitute with broccoli florets or green beans if asparagus isn’t available.
- Italian Dressing: You can make your own using olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside. Toss lightly with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2 – Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the Italian dressing, balsamic vinegar, honey, and crushed red chili flakes. Set aside. This will serve as both the chicken glaze and the salad dressing.
Step 3 – Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken slices with salt and pepper, then cook for 6–8 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked. Pour in half of the balsamic dressing and toss to coat the chicken well. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken.
Step 4 – Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add asparagus and shredded carrots. Sauté for about 4 minutes, just until tender-crisp. Add the grape tomatoes and cook another 1–2 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 5 – Combine Everything
Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Pour in the remaining dressing and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Let it warm through for about 2 minutes.
Step 6 – Serve and Garnish
Serve the salad warm, topped with fresh basil leaves if desired. For a chilled version, let it cool completely and refrigerate for 1–2 hours before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the tortellini. Slightly al dente tortellini holds up better when tossed with the dressing.
- Use a non-stick skillet. It prevents the honey-balsamic glaze from sticking or burning.
- Add greens for freshness. Baby spinach or arugula blend beautifully with the warm dressing.
- Balance the sweetness. Adjust the honey or vinegar ratio to suit your taste.
- Double the dressing. It’s so good you might want extra to drizzle over leftovers.
- Meal prep-friendly. Store in containers for grab-and-go lunches all week.
Flavor Variations
- Mediterranean Twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise for a creamy dressing.
- Pesto Style: Mix a tablespoon of basil pesto into the dressing for herby depth.
- Southwest Spin: Replace balsamic with lime juice, and add corn and black beans.
- Vegan Option: Skip the chicken and tortellini cheese filling; use veggie tortellini and tofu instead.
Serving Suggestions
- Main Dish: Serve warm with garlic bread or focaccia.
- Side Dish: Pair it with grilled fish or baked salmon.
- Light Lunch: Enjoy it cold as a refreshing pasta salad.
- Party Favorite: Serve in a large bowl at picnics or potlucks — it’s colorful and crowd-pleasing.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water or dressing.
- Serve Cold: Tastes great straight from the fridge as a pasta salad.
- Freezing: Not recommended — the tortellini may become mushy when thawed.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~410 kcal |
| Protein | 29 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
FAQ About Easy Warm Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad
How do I make this salad vegetarian?
Simply replace the chicken with tofu, roasted chickpeas, or sautéed mushrooms. The balsamic dressing adds plenty of flavor, so you won’t miss the meat.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Just cook according to the package directions and drain well before mixing. Frozen tortellini works just as well as fresh for this recipe.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the salad, refrigerate it, and serve it cold or reheat before serving. Add a little extra dressing before serving to refresh the flavors.
What type of balsamic vinegar works best?
Use a good-quality, aged balsamic vinegar for a rich, slightly sweet flavor. Cheap versions can be too acidic.
Is this salad gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free tortellini or substituting with gluten-free pasta.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Warm Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad is the perfect combination of comfort and freshness. It’s a wholesome, flavorful dish that can be served year-round — warm during chilly evenings or cold during summer lunches. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing guests, this simple recipe proves that homemade food can be both effortless and delicious.
Print
Easy Warm Balsamic Chicken Tortellini Salad
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A warm, hearty pasta salad with chicken, tortellini, veggies, and balsamic-honey dressing — perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
20 oz cheese tortellini
1 lb asparagus, trimmed
3/4 cup shredded carrots
3/4 cup grape tomatoes, halved
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper, to taste
1/4 cup Italian dressing
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp crushed red chili flakes
Fresh basil (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook tortellini until tender and drain.
2. Whisk together dressing ingredients.
3. Sauté chicken until cooked; add half the dressing and simmer.
4. Add asparagus and carrots; cook until tender-crisp.
5. Add tomatoes and tortellini; toss with remaining dressing.
6. Serve warm with basil garnish.
Notes
Swap chicken with tofu or shrimp.
Add spinach for extra greens.
Enjoy warm or chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course, Salad
- Method: Sauté, Toss
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
