Why Make This Recipe
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a delicious and simple dish perfect for lunch, dinner, or a picnic. It combines the classic flavors of a Caesar salad with hearty pasta and protein-rich chicken. This salad is not just filling but also packed with fresh veggies, making it a colorful and nourishing meal. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it as a light meal at home, this recipe is sure to impress.
How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta, cooled
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or grilled
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup croutons
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Optional: lemon wedge for zest
Directions:
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente. Rinse under cold water and drain.
- Combine Base: In a large bowl, add pasta, chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and croutons.
- Dress It: Pour Caesar dressing over the mix and toss well to coat evenly.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with Parmesan and season with salt & pepper to taste.
- Chill or Serve: Best served chilled or at room temperature. Add lemon zest for extra brightness.
How to Serve Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
You can serve Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad as a main dish or a side. It’s great for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or even just a casual lunch at home. Consider adding extra toppings like grilled shrimp or avocado for a twist, or serve it alongside crusty bread or a light soup.
How to Store Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
If you have leftovers, you can store Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as the dressing may settle.
Tips to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Make sure to let the pasta cool completely before mixing, or it may wilt the lettuce.
- Use rotini or penne pasta for better dressing adherence.
- Feel free to add in your favorite vegetables, such as cucumbers or bell peppers, for extra crunch and flavor.
Variation
You can customize this salad in many ways! Try adding crispy bacon for extra flavor, or use whole grain pasta for a healthier option. You can also substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp or tofu for a different protein choice.
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly and makes this recipe even easier.
2. Is this salad good for meal prep?
Absolutely! Just store the dressing separately until you’re ready to eat to keep the salad fresh.
3. Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding chickpeas or more veggies to maintain a satisfying texture.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta, cooled Use rotini or penne for better dressing adherence.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or grilled Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped Make sure to let the pasta cool completely before mixing to prevent wilting.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers.
- 1/2 cup croutons
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing Store dressing separately for meal prep.
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Optional: lemon wedge for zest Add for extra brightness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil pasta until al dente, rinse under cold water, and drain.
- In a large bowl, add pasta, chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and croutons.
- Pour Caesar dressing over the mix and toss well to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan and season with salt & pepper to taste.
- Best served chilled or at room temperature. Add lemon zest for extra brightness.