Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
User Reviews
5
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Description
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad starts with pasta cooked to al dente, then cooled. Cubed chicken—grilled, baked, or rotisserie—is optionally tossed with balsamic vinegar for added flavor. The salad is built by combining pasta, chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped romaine hearts, and shredded Parmesan cheese. The ingredients are gently tossed with Caesar dressing made either from scratch or store-bought.
The salad provides a mix of textures: tender chicken, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and firm pasta coated in a savory, creamy dressing. The Parmesan adds a sharp, salty note. Serving chilled enhances the flavors and makes it refreshing.
For variations, additional ingredients such as croutons, bacon bits, or avocado can be added based on preference. The salad stores well in the refrigerator for several days but is best served cold without reheating. Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in lettuce and dressing separation.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 cups chicken cubed (grilled, baked, or rotisserie, cooked
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
Salad:
- 8 oz dried pasta (fusilli, farfalle bowtie, rotini, or penne)
- 1 cup sweet cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 romaine lettuce chopped, hearts
- ¼ - ⅓ cup Parmesan Cheese depending on your preference, shredded
Dressing:
- ⅓ - ½ cup caesar salad dressing depending on your preference, healthy
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente.
- Drain the cooked pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool. Set it aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until well combined (recipe here). Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired. You can also use store-bought Caesar, but I highly recommend homemade since my dressing is high in protein and healthy.
- If desired, toss the cubed chicken with balsamic vinegar in a separate bowl for added flavor. This is optional, but I love it!
- In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cubed chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped romaine hearts, and shredded parmesan cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and gently toss to coat all the ingredients.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasonings by adding more dressing, salt, pepper, or parmesan if desired.
- For the best flavor, refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Alternatively, you can serve it immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- Additional ingredients like croutons, bacon bits, or avocado slices can be added to customize the salad.
- Adjust dressing and Parmesan amounts to taste.
- Cook pasta slightly less than the package's minimum to keep it firm in the salad.
- Homemade Caesar dressing is recommended for a higher protein and healthier option, but store-bought can be used.
- Store leftovers refrigerated up to 4 days; serve cold without reheating.
- Freezing is not advised because it affects the texture of vegetables and dressing consistency.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 406 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 406kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 49g | 16% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 8g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 59mg | 20% |
| Sodium | 279mg | 12% |
| Potassium | 571mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 5174IU | 103% |
| Vitamin C | 13mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 144mg | 14% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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