This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a refreshing and hearty dish that combines the classic flavors of Caesar salad with the satisfying bite of pasta. Tender pieces of cooked chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and al dente pasta come together in a creamy Caesar dressing, making this a perfect option for a light lunch, a picnic, or a summer dinner. With the added crunch of croutons and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this pasta salad is flavorful, easy to make, and sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced (grilled or rotisserie)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup Caesar dressing
- ¼ cup croutons (optional)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Extra Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to halt further cooking.
- Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, diced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped romaine lettuce, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add the Dressing:
- Pour the Caesar dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Add Croutons and Garnish:
- Just before serving, mix in the croutons if using, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor and texture.
- Serve:
- Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature as a light lunch or side dish.
Conclusion:
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is the perfect blend of flavors and textures, combining the heartiness of pasta with the freshness of Caesar salad ingredients. The creamy dressing and Parmesan cheese bring everything together in a satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a meal or side. Quick to prepare and customizable to your taste, this pasta salad is ideal for picnics, barbecues, or simple family dinners.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken diced (grilled or rotisserie)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup romaine lettuce chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup Caesar dressing
- ¼ cup croutons optional
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional)
- Extra Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to halt further cooking. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, diced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped romaine lettuce, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add the Dressing: Pour the Caesar dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Add Croutons and Garnish: Just before serving, mix in the croutons if using, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor and texture.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature as a light lunch or side dish.