Description
A delightful twist on the classic Caesar salad, this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines the flavors of a traditional Caesar salad with the heartiness of pasta and chicken. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
Vegetables:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
Cheese and Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional, for creaminess)
Seasonings and Toppings:
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup croutons
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, tomatoes, lettuce, and Parmesan cheese.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Caesar dressing, mayonnaise (if using), and black pepper.
- Combine and Chill: Pour dressing over pasta mixture and toss gently until evenly coated. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve: Top with croutons and parsley just before serving for crunch and freshness.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- For extra flavor, add crispy bacon or substitute kale for lettuce.
- Best served chilled but can be made a day ahead.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Boiling, Mixing
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 510 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
