delicious Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad recipe that’s easy to prepare and perfect for lunch, dinner, or a picnic!
🥗 Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini work well)
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup Caesar croutons
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
1/2 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra tang)
Fresh ground black pepper to taste
🔪 Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and let it cool.
Prepare the Chicken:
You can use grilled, roasted, or rotisserie chicken. Dice or shred it into bite-size pieces.
Make the Dressing (if enhancing):
In a small bowl, whisk together Caesar dressing, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard (if using), and black pepper.
Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan.
Add Dressing:
Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Add Croutons Last:
Just before serving, sprinkle croutons on top to keep them crunchy.
📝 Tips:
For a healthier twist, use whole wheat or chickpea pasta.
Add bacon bits or sliced avocado for extra richness.
Chill for 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.