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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a fresh, creamy, and flavorful twist on the classic Caesar salad. It combines tender grilled chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, crisp romaine lettuce, and a luscious Caesar dressing for a dish that’s quick to prepare, versatile, and perfect for meals any time of day.

Ingredients

Pasta & Protein

  • Cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli) – 3 cups cooked
  • Grilled or roasted boneless chicken breasts – 2 medium, sliced or cubed

Vegetables & Greens

  • Romaine lettuce – 3 cups, chopped

Dressing & Add-ons

  • Caesar dressing – 1/2 cup (store-bought or homemade)
  • Parmesan cheese – 1/4 cup, freshly grated
  • Croutons – 1 cup
  • Lemon juice (optional) – 1 tablespoon
  • Freshly cracked black pepper – to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water to cool the noodles and stop the cooking process, preventing mushiness in the salad.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Grill or roast boneless chicken breasts lightly seasoned with salt and pepper. After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes, then slice or cube into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
  3. Chop the Romaine: While the chicken and pasta cool, chop fresh romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces to add freshness and crunch to the salad.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta, grilled chicken, and chopped romaine with creamy Caesar dressing. Coat evenly without overwhelming the salad.
  5. Add Final Touches: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and crunchy croutons over the salad. Add freshly cracked black pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired for brightness.

Notes

  • Use cold pasta by rinsing after cooking to prevent sticking and sogginess.
  • Marinate chicken in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice to enhance flavor and juiciness.
  • Add Caesar dressing gradually to avoid overpowering the salad.
  • Make homemade croutons by toasting leftover bread with olive oil and seasoning.
  • Chill the salad in the fridge for 20 minutes before serving to meld flavors.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing is not recommended due to lettuce and dressing texture changes; freeze chicken and pasta separately if needed.
  • Serve salad cold or at room temperature; gently warm chicken and pasta before mixing if preferred.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, Caesar salad, pasta salad, grilled chicken salad, easy summer salad, creamy dressing salad

Find it online: https://elenaglam.com/chicken-caesar-pasta-salad/