Description
A creamy, savory Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with tender chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, pasta, and a tangy Caesar dressing. Perfect for a summer meal or a quick, refreshing lunch.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini works well)
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup croutons
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for grilling chicken)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken breast (either grilled or pan-fried with olive oil) and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, drain, and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, pasta, and chopped romaine lettuce.
- Add Caesar dressing to the bowl and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper on top, and toss again.
- Gently fold in croutons just before serving to maintain their crunch.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing meal.
Notes
- For a lighter option, you can use a light Caesar dressing or swap it out for a yogurt-based dressing.
- This salad can be made ahead of time; however, it’s best to add the croutons just before serving to avoid them getting soggy.
- If you prefer grilled chicken, brush with a little olive oil and your favorite seasoning before cooking.