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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the creamy, tangy flavors of Caesar dressing with tender grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, and hearty pasta. Perfect for meal prep, lunch, or dinner, it offers a refreshing yet filling meal that is easy to prepare and customizable to your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and sliced

Pasta

  • 8 oz rotini or penne pasta

Vegetables

  • 4 cups romaine lettuce, washed and chopped

Dressing & Flavor

  • 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Cheese & Crunch

  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup croutons

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for the salad.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear until cooked through and juicy. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Chop the Romaine: Wash and dry the romaine lettuce thoroughly. Chop into manageable bite-sized pieces to maintain a crisp texture.
  4. Mix Dressing and Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, chopped romaine, and Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with Caesar dressing and fresh lemon juice, tossing gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients.
  5. Add Croutons and Serve: Just before serving, toss in croutons for crunch, or add them as a garnish on top to keep them crispy longer.

Notes

  • Cook pasta slightly underdone to prevent mushiness while chilling.
  • Pat chicken dry before cooking for a better sear and juicy texture.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor.
  • Add croutons last minute to maintain crunch.
  • Chill salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep croutons separate.
  • Freezing is not recommended as lettuce and dressing can become soggy.
  • Best served cold or at room temperature; if warming, reheat chicken separately.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, Caesar salad, pasta salad, chicken salad, easy lunch, meal prep, healthy salad, creamy dressing, rotini pasta salad

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/chicken-caesar-pasta-salad/