Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
Introduction
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a fresh and satisfying twist on the classic Caesar salad. Combining tender pasta, juicy chicken, and crisp romaine with creamy Caesar dressing makes for an easy meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, chopped romaine, Caesar dressing, and grated Parmesan. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 3: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut to save time.
- Add crunchy croutons for texture just before serving.
- Swap romaine for baby spinach or kale for a different leafy green flavor.
- For a lighter version, use a low-fat Caesar dressing or Greek yogurt-based dressing.
- Include cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices for added freshness and color.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the romaine crisp, add it just before serving if you plan to store the salad longer. Leftovers can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature but avoid reheating to maintain the texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this salad?
Yes, any short pasta like fusilli, farfalle, or macaroni works well. Choose shapes that hold dressing and mix easily.
How do I keep the romaine lettuce from wilting?
To keep romaine crisp, wash and dry it thoroughly, then add it to the pasta salad just before serving or shortly after tossing if you plan to eat it right away.
PrintChicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
A refreshing and hearty Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad that combines tender cooked pasta, grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a light lunch or a satisfying side dish ideal for warm weather meals or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling and Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
Chicken
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
Vegetables
- 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
Dressing and Cheese
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for the salad.
- Prepare the Chicken: Use cooked chicken breast, either grilled, baked, or leftover rotisserie chicken, and dice or shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, diced chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, and Caesar dressing. Toss everything together gently until well coated with the dressing.
- Add Cheese and Chill: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and toss again to distribute. Cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and serve cold.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- For a lighter version, opt for a low-fat Caesar dressing or use less dressing.
- Add freshly cracked black pepper or a squeeze of lemon for extra freshness.
- Can be made a few hours ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
- Serve with garlic bread or crusty rolls for a complete meal.
Keywords: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, Caesar pasta salad, chicken pasta salad, pasta salad recipe, easy salad, summer salad
