Description

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines tender cooked chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, perfectly cooked rotini or penne pasta, Parmesan cheese, crunchy croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing into a hearty and refreshing salad. This dish is ideal for quick lunches, picnics, or meal prep, offering a delicious mix of textures and flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Pasta and Protein

12 oz rotini or penne pasta
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced

Vegetables and Greens

4 cups chopped romaine lettuce

Dressing and Seasonings

1 cup Caesar dressing
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp black pepper

Toppings

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup croutons
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain it and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool completely.
Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Caesar dressing, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and black pepper until well combined.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, diced cooked chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss these ingredients together to mix evenly.
Add Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and toss thoroughly until everything is well coated with the dressing.
Add Croutons: Gently fold in the croutons just before serving to maintain their crunchiness and prevent them from becoming soggy.
Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese on top for garnish and extra flavor, then serve immediately.

Notes

Using rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and convenient.
Add cherry tomatoes or crispy bacon for additional flavor and texture variety.
To keep croutons crunchy, add them right before serving rather than mixing them in too early.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Boiling & Tossing
Cuisine: American