Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
A creamy, cheesy, pasta-filled take on the Caesar salad. Crispy romaine, tender chicken, and crunchy croutons make it the perfect hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta penne, rotini, or anything that holds dressing well
- 2 cups cooked chicken diced (grilled or rotisserie for easy prep)
- ½ cup Caesar dressing homemade or store-bought—your call
- ½ cup Parmesan grated (the good stuff, not the sawdust kind)
- 1 cup romaine lettuce chopped (for that "still a salad" excuse)
- 1 cup croutons crunch is mandatory
- ½ tsp black pepper because seasoning matters
- ½ tsp salt taste before adding more
- 1 tbsp lemon juice brightens everything up
- 1 tbsp olive oil optional, for extra richness
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, because nobody likes mushy noodles. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper if cooking from scratch. Sear in olive oil over medium heat until golden. Slice or dice.
- In a large bowl, whisk Caesar dressing, lemon juice, and Parmesan until smooth.
- Toss in pasta, chicken, and romaine until everything is coated in dressing.
- Sprinkle croutons and extra Parmesan on top right before serving. Eat immediately or chill for later.
Notes
Nutritional Values (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
Vitamins & Minerals (Per Serving)
- Calcium: 20%
- Vitamin A: 15%
- Iron: 10%
- Vitamin C: 8%
- Potassium: 12%
Additional Notes & Tips
- Swap regular croutons for homemade garlic bread crumbs.
- Add crispy bacon for an even better flavor boost.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo-based dressing for a lighter version.
- Make extra dressing—people will ask for more.
- Store leftovers in the fridge, but keep the croutons separate so they stay crispy.