Description
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that combines tender cooked chicken, rotini pasta, crisp romaine lettuce, and cherry tomatoes with a creamy Caesar dressing. Finished with grated Parmesan cheese, crunchy croutons, and a touch of lemon juice, this salad is perfect for quick lunches, picnics, or meal prep, offering a delicious balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons
Dressing & Seasonings
- 1 cup Caesar dressing
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta completely.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, diced cooked chicken breast, chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese. Gently toss to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Add Dressing and Lemon Juice: Pour in the Caesar dressing and add the lemon juice to the bowl. Toss the salad well to ensure all components are evenly coated with the dressing and lemon flavor.
- Finish with Croutons and Pepper: Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with crunchy croutons and freshly ground black pepper to enhance texture and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled or slightly cool as a light and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Add crispy bacon for extra flavor and texture.
- Stir in the croutons just before serving to keep them crunchy and avoid sogginess.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American