Description
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish featuring tender pasta, crisp Romaine lettuce, seasoned chicken, crunchy croutons, and a creamy homemade Caesar dressing. Ideal for summertime barbecues, potlucks, or as a hearty lunch, this easy-to-make salad combines classic Caesar flavors with the comfort of pasta in a delightful, well-balanced meal.
Ingredients
Caesar Dressing
- 1 recipe Caesar Dressing (use as little or as much as you like)
Salad
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta, such as rigatoni, penne, rotini, or bow tie
- 6 cups chopped (1″ pieces) hearts of Romaine
- 2 cups chopped (½”-¾” pieces) seasoned, cooked chicken breast (use roasted, sautéed, or grilled chicken breasts, or rotisserie chicken)
- 1 cup croutons
- ¼ cup shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 grinds freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: Prepare the Caesar Dressing according to your preferred recipe and set it aside. You can make it up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a teaspoon of kosher salt. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes depending on the pasta type. Drain thoroughly and allow the pasta to cool completely.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, chopped Romaine lettuce, and chopped cooked chicken. Toss gently to mix all components evenly.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle the prepared Caesar Dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently again to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the salad with croutons, shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese, and finish with a couple of grinds of freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can prepare the Caesar Dressing up to two days ahead; store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Cook and drain the pasta several hours before serving if desired. Let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Chop the Romaine and chicken separately and refrigerate in airtight containers until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
- When ready to serve, combine all ingredients and proceed with dressing and seasoning as instructed for fresh, crisp salad texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
