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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a fresh, creamy, and protein-packed meal made with tender grilled chicken, al dente pasta, crisp romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, crunchy croutons, and rich Caesar dressing. Perfect for meal prep, summer lunches, picnics, or potlucks, this cold pasta salad comes together in just 30 minutes and is a delicious option for lunch or a light dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Pasta Salad
  • 12 ounces 340 g rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 2 cups cooked grilled chicken breast diced
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup seasoned croutons
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Caesar Dressing
  • ½ cup Caesar dressing
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard optional
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional Add-Ins
  • 1 avocado diced
  • ½ cup diced cucumber
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
  • ¼ cup sliced black olives
  • ½ cup grilled corn kernels

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water until completely cooled. Drain well.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the Caesar dressing, lemon juice, Dijon mustard (if using), and black pepper.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Fold in the croutons just before serving to keep them crispy.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and parsley.
  9. Refrigerate for 20 minutes if desired for a colder, more refreshing salad.
  10. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming soft.
Rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Pat the romaine lettuce dry to keep the salad crisp.
Add the croutons just before serving for the best crunch.
Rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saving substitute.
Reserve a little extra Caesar dressing to refresh leftovers before serving.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This salad is ideal for meal prep, picnics, potlucks, and packed lunches.