Description
Savor summer’s coolest classic with this irresistible Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad that blends creamy dressing, tender chicken, and crisp romaine. Packed with bold flavors and easy preparation, you’ll crave this refreshing dish at every picnic and potluck.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
Pasta and Base:
- 16 oz rotini pasta or penne
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
Dressing and Seasonings:
- 1/2 cup caesar dressing
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
Garnish:
- 1/4 cup croutons
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta with shredded chicken, ensuring even distribution throughout the salad.
- Whisk caesar dressing, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt in a separate small bowl to create a unified and flavorful dressing.
- Pour prepared dressing over pasta and chicken mixture, gently tossing to coat all ingredients thoroughly and evenly.
- Fold in chopped romaine lettuce, maintaining crisp texture and preventing wilting from excess moisture.
- Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the salad, allowing it to distribute naturally through the mixture.
- Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and develop a harmonious taste profile.
- Just before serving, top with croutons for added crunch and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing main dish or side, perfect for summer gatherings or quick meals.
Notes
- Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a firm texture and prevent mushiness in the final dish.
- Chicken Choice: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for added flavor and convenience, saving time and enhancing taste.
- Dressing Dynamics: Prepare dressing ahead of time and refrigerate to let flavors intensify, creating a more robust caesar sauce.
- Lettuce Longevity: Add romaine lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp and prevent wilting from dressing and refrigeration.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 473
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 772 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg