Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
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4.8
18 reviews
Excellent
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
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No need to decide between chicken Caesar salad or pasta salad. This 30-minute lunch recipe combines both into one mash-up recipe that only gets better once you add crispy bacon and a simple homemade Caesar dressing.
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Ingredients
For the Caesar dressing (see note 1):
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the pasta salad:
- 1 pound rotini or other small pasta (see note 2)
- 1 pound chicken breast cutlets
- 2 tablespoons Cajun Seasoning homemade or store-bought (see note 3)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large head romaine lettuce chopped
- 2 cups croutons (see note 4)
- 8 ounces cooked bacon crumbled (8 slices)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- To make the dressing, in a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, brown mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper to taste (I like 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper). Cover and refrigerate while preparing the rest of the salad.
- In a large saucepan or stock pot, bring 4 quarts water and 1 tablespoon salt to a boil. Add rotini and cook according to package instructions, about 9 to 11 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Meanwhile, arrange chicken on a baking sheet or work surface and sprinkle both sides generously with Cajun seasoning.
- In large skillet, heat oil until shimmering. Arrange chicken in a single layer and cook, flipping once, until the temperature on an internal thermometer reaches 165 degrees, about 5 minutes on each side. Remove from heat and rest for 5 minutes. Slice into strips.
- In a very large bowl, combine cooled rotini, lettuce, croutons, and bacon. Drizzle with Caesar salad dressing and toss until uniformly coated. Top with chicken and garnish with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Caesar dressing: Or substitute your favorite store-bought brand. See my Caesar dressing recipe for a classic version (with anchovies and whole egg), or follow the homemade salad dressing instructions below for an anchovy-free option.
- Rotini: These short corkscrews are stellar as vehicles for a large amount of the Caesar dressing. Any small pasta works well, though. Use elbows, farfalle, gemelli, penne, or orecchiette, if you prefer.
- Cajun seasoning: To make your own, in a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons paprika, with 2 tablespoons garlic powder, 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning, 2 tablespoons salt, 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon thyme, and 1 tablespoon onion powder.
- Croutons: To make your own, cut 1 loaf (1 pound) into cubes, then toss in a large bowl with 1/4 cup oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until combined. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet and bake in a 450-degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Yield: This recipe makes a whopping 16 servings in just 30 minutes, ideal for family lunches throughout the week or as part of a potluck menu. If desired, halve the recipe to feed a smaller crowd.
- Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Make ahead: The salad dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Serving
2cups
Calories
251kcal
(13%)
Carbohydrates
26g
(9%)
Protein
16g
(32%)
Fat
9g
(14%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
33mg
(11%)
Sodium
332mg
(14%)
Potassium
363mg
(10%)
Fiber
2g
(8%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
3866IU
(77%)
Vitamin C
2mg
(2%)
Calcium
44mg
(4%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 16servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 251 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2cups | |
| Calories | 251kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 26g | 9% |
| Protein | 16g | 32% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 33mg | 11% |
| Sodium | 332mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 363mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 3866IU | 77% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 44mg | 4% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
18 reviews
Excellent
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