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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a vibrant and easy-to-prepare dish combining tender grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing. This fresh and satisfying salad works perfectly for lunches, quick dinners, or crowd-pleasing gatherings, offering a balance of indulgence and lightness.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 grilled chicken breasts, seasoned with salt and pepper, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Pasta & Greens

  • 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce

Dressing & Seasonings

  • 1/2 cup classic creamy Caesar dressing
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Salt, to taste

Optional Toppings

  • 1/2 cup croutons
  • Extra grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil your choice of pasta in salted water until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then grill or pan-sear until fully cooked and slightly charred on the outside. Allow to rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Toss the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine Caesar dressing with lemon juice, freshly ground black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese to achieve a creamy, tangy flavor boost.
  4. Combine all ingredients: Add pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, and grilled chicken to the bowl, tossing gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
  5. Serve or chill: Sprinkle croutons and extra Parmesan on top before serving. For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for 15-30 minutes before enjoying cold or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use fresh Romaine lettuce for the best crispness and texture.
  • Add dressing gradually to avoid soggy pasta or greens; toss lightly for even coating.
  • Grill chicken carefully to achieve smoky flavor and juiciness without overcooking.
  • Chill salad briefly to meld flavors but avoid leaving it refrigerated for more than a few hours to retain crunchiness.
  • Use quality Caesar dressing, homemade or store-bought, to ensure great flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, grilled chicken, pasta salad, Caesar dressing, easy salad recipe, healthy pasta salad, lunch salad, dinner salad, crowd-pleaser

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