🥗 Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
A hearty, satisfying twist on a classic Caesar salad—this dish combines tender grilled chicken, crisp romaine, and pasta tossed in a creamy, garlicky Caesar dressing. It’s perfect for lunches, potlucks, or a light dinner that still feels filling.
📝 Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (rotini or shells work well)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup Caesar dressing
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Optional: croutons, cherry tomatoes
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- Prepare chicken: Season with salt and pepper, cook in a pan with olive oil until golden and fully cooked, then dice.
- Assemble salad: In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, and romaine lettuce.
- Add dressing: Pour in Caesar dressing and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Finish: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and add croutons if desired.
- Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes for a cooler salad.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely. It’s a great time-saver and adds extra flavor.
Q: What pasta works best?
A: Short pasta like rotini, penne, or shells hold the dressing well.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes, but keep the lettuce separate until serving to avoid sogginess.
Q: Is there a lighter version?
A: Use a light Caesar dressing or Greek yogurt-based dressing.
Q: How long does it last in the fridge?
A: About 2–3 days in an airtight container.
