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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

4.5 from 126 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Use cooked chicken breast, either grilled, baked, or leftover rotisserie chicken, and dice or shred it into bite-sized pieces.
  3. 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.
  4. 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