Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
A delightful combination of creamy Caesar dressing, tender chicken, and pasta, perfect for potlucks and cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 8 ounces Rotini or penne pasta Rotini is recommended for its curves that catch dressing beautifully.
- 2 cups Cooked chicken Shredded or chopped; rotisserie or poached.
Fresh Ingredients
- 4 cups Romaine lettuce Chopped; can substitute with spinach or kale.
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes Halved; can substitute with sun-dried tomatoes if out of season.
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese Or use Pecorino Romano for a saltier taste.
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing Store-bought or homemade.
- to taste Salt For seasoning.
- to taste Pepper For seasoning.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta by boiling a pot of salted water, adding rotini or penne, and cooking until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, chopped romaine, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are coated.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix gently.
- Chill the salad in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
This salad can be served as a main dish or side. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, keeping the dressing separate if freezing.