Description
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy Caesar dressing, tender chicken, crisp romaine, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a fresh, hearty salad that works beautifully for lunch, picnics, potlucks, or an easy weeknight dinner. Every bite is packed with flavor and crunch!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups cooked pasta (rotini or penne work well)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (diced or shredded)
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- ½ cup Caesar dressing
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup croutons
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, romaine, Caesar dressing, Parmesan, and lemon juice (if using). Toss gently to coat.
- Top with croutons and a sprinkle of black pepper just before serving for maximum crunch.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
For extra flavor, grill the chicken before adding it to the salad. Want to make it ahead? Assemble everything except the romaine and croutons, then toss them in just before serving to keep things crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Calories: 420