Description
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines the classic flavors of Caesar salad with tender pasta and juicy grilled chicken for a hearty, refreshing meal. Tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing with crisp romaine, Parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons, this easy recipe is perfect for lunches, picnics, potlucks, or busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked grilled chicken breast, sliced or diced
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup seasoned croutons
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
For the Caesar Dressing
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt (optional, for a lighter dressing)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and allow it to cool completely.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Caesar dressing, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, and black pepper until smooth.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
- Toss with dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve: Top with croutons, fresh parsley, and extra Parmesan cheese just before serving for maximum crunch.
Notes
For the freshest texture, add the romaine lettuce and croutons just before serving. This salad is excellent for meal prep—store the dressing separately and toss everything together when ready to enjoy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boil
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 435
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chicken caesar pasta salad, caesar pasta salad, grilled chicken pasta salad, easy pasta salad recipe, summer pasta salad, meal prep salad