Classic Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
A delightful and hearty pasta salad featuring rotisserie chicken, fresh Romaine, homemade croutons, and a creamy Caesar dressing, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 6 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped Provides crunchy texture.
- 2 cups Rotisserie chicken, shredded Use store-bought or leftover roasted chicken.
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved Adds sweetness and color.
- 1 cup Homemade croutons Elevate the salad with fresh croutons.
- 1/2 cup Fresh grated Parmesan cheese Adds creaminess.
- 1/4 cup Fresh shaved Parmesan cheese For garnishing.
Dressing
- 1/2 cup Caesar salad dressing Homemade or store-bought.
Crouton Ingredients
- 4 slices Stale bread, cubed For homemade croutons.
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil For tossing croutons.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Flavor for croutons.
- 1 pinch Salt For crouton seasoning.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F for croutons.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your preferred pasta until al dente, then cool it.
- Shred the rotisserie chicken and set aside.
- For homemade croutons, toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt, then bake on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes until golden.
- Chop the Romaine lettuce and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Prepare the Caesar dressing if making homemade.
Assembly
- Combine the cooked pasta, Romaine lettuce, shredded chicken, and tomatoes in a large bowl.
- Add in the homemade croutons and toss gently to mix.
- Dress the salad with Caesar dressing and toss until well coated.
- Sprinkle freshly grated and shaved Parmesan over the top.
- Let the salad rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
For a smoky flavor, consider adding crispy bacon. This salad pairs beautifully with lemon iced tea or white wine.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5g
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