Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
A delicious and simple dish combining classic Caesar salad flavors with hearty pasta and protein-rich chicken, perfect for lunch, dinner, or a picnic.
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.
Notes
You can serve as a main dish or a side. It’s great for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or casual lunch at home. Consider adding extra toppings like grilled shrimp or avocado.