Description
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad offers a delightful twist on the classic Caesar salad by adding hearty pasta and tender chicken, making it a perfect, easy-to-make meal for warm weather. Combining rotini pasta, juicy cooked chicken, crisp romaine, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and creamy Caesar dressing, it’s tossed together and topped with crunchy croutons for texture. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a satisfying, flavorful dish that’s ideal for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/2 cup croutons
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the rotini or penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Toss pasta with olive oil: Drizzle the cooled pasta with olive oil and toss gently to prevent sticking and add a subtle flavor base for the salad.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, diced or shredded chicken breast, chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add dressing and toss: Pour in the Caesar dressing over the combined ingredients and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Season to taste: Season the salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your preference, mixing gently to distribute the seasoning.
- Add final toppings: Just before serving, top the salad with crunchy croutons for texture and garnish with optional lemon wedges to add a fresh citrusy brightness.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and enjoyment.
Notes
- You can use grilled chicken for extra smoky flavor or rotisserie chicken for convenience and saved prep time.
- For a lighter version, substitute traditional Caesar dressing with a yogurt-based Caesar dressing.
- Add extra protein and interesting texture by sprinkling crispy bacon bits or chickpeas on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Salad
- Method: Boiling, Tossing
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
