Description
This refreshing Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines chilled al dente rotini with succulent grilled chicken, crisp romaine, and a zesty, creamy Caesar dressing. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks, this dish elevates the classic salad into a hearty, satisfying meal. The pasta absorbs the savory dressing, ensuring bold flavor in every bite, while grilled chicken provides a protein-packed finish that keeps you energized, making it an ideal choice for both lunch and dinner prep.
Ingredients
16 oz Rotini pasta
2 lbs Chicken breasts
1 head Romaine lettuce
1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1.5 cups Caesar dressing (egg-free/halal certified)
2 cups Croutons
1 tsp Garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the rotini until al dente.
Drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Grill the chicken until fully cooked through.
Let the chicken rest for five minutes, then slice into bite-sized strips.
Chop the romaine lettuce into uniform bite-sized pieces and wash thoroughly.
Combine the cooled pasta, chopped lettuce, and sliced chicken in a large mixing bowl.
Toss the salad with Caesar dressing until evenly coated.
Top with grated Parmesan cheese and croutons before serving.
Notes
Store the dressing separately if you plan to save leftovers to prevent the lettuce from wilting and the pasta from becoming soggy. You can use rotisserie chicken to save time during the week.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Summer Desserts
- Method: Grilling and Boiling
- Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg