Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

If you love Caesar salad and pasta, why not combine them into one irresistible dish? This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is creamy, tangy, and packed with juicy grilled chicken, crisp romaine, and tender pasta, all tossed in a rich Caesar dressing. It’s perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or a quick and satisfying lunch!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light yet Satisfying: A perfect balance of protein, greens, and carbs.
• Easy to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes!
• Great for Meal Prep: Stays fresh in the fridge for easy grab-and-go meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Breast (2, boneless, skinless) – Juicy and seasoned to perfection.
• Pasta (2 cups, cooked & cooled) – Rotini, penne, or bowtie works best.
• Romaine Lettuce (2 cups, chopped) – Adds freshness and crunch.
• Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, shredded) – A classic Caesar touch.
• Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, halved) – For a pop of color and sweetness.
• Croutons (1 cup, optional) – Adds a delicious crunch.
• Caesar Dressing (½ cup, or to taste) – Creamy, garlicky, and flavorful.
• Olive Oil (1 tbsp) – For cooking the chicken.
• Salt & Black Pepper (to taste) – Essential for seasoning.
• Lemon Juice (1 tbsp, optional) – Brightens up the flavors.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet or grill pan
• Tongs
• Knife and cutting board

How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and croutons. Add the sliced chicken on top.

Step 4: Toss with Dressing
Drizzle Caesar dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for extra brightness.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Divide into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan or black pepper if desired.

What to Serve with This Dish

• A side of garlic bread.
• A refreshing iced tea or lemonade.
• A cup of soup for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

• Let the Chicken Rest: This keeps it juicy and flavorful.
• Cool the Pasta: Rinsing with cold water prevents it from getting mushy.
• Make it Lighter: Use Greek yogurt-based dressing or a light Caesar dressing.

Storing & Meal Prep Tips

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep Croutons Separate: Add them right before serving to keep them crunchy.
• Freshen it Up: Toss with a little extra dressing before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! It’s a great time-saver.

What pasta works best?
Short pasta like rotini, penne, or bowtie holds the dressing well.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Just keep the dressing separate until ready to eat.

Conclusion

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a fresh and satisfying meal that comes together in minutes! Whether you’re making it for meal prep, a potluck, or a quick lunch, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Try it today and let me know how it turns out! Don’t forget to share your photos on social media.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 32g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 520mg

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