Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
A delightful, hearty dish featuring pasta, grilled chicken, fresh romaine, cherry tomatoes, and Caesar dressing, perfect for barbecues or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta Fusilli or penne work beautifully.
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced Use leftover rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breast.
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped Substitute with kale or spinach if desired.
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved Can add other veggies like cucumbers or bell peppers.
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated Use freshly grated for the best flavor.
- ½ cup Caesar dressing Store-bought or homemade.
- to taste salt and pepper Simple seasonings that make a difference.
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add in your pasta. Cook until al dente, usually 1-2 minutes less than package instructions.
- Drain, rinse under cold water, and let it cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to coat.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the top, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Toss lightly again.
- Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving to enhance flavors.
Notes
Serve on a nice platter and garnish with extra Parmesan. Pairs well with grilled chicken skewers or garlic bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.