Description
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad recipe combines the flavors of a classic Caesar salad with the heartiness of pasta, creating a satisfying and delicious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side for dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked and diced chicken breast
Salad:
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup Caesar dressing
- 1 cup garlic croutons
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Add the Caesar dressing and toss until evenly coated.
- Season and serve: Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Just before serving, gently fold in the croutons for crunch. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use store-bought rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- To keep the lettuce crisp, add it and the croutons just before serving.
- For extra flavor, add crispy bacon or sliced avocado.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Salad
- Method: No-Cook (with pre-cooked chicken and pasta)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
