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–+ servings
Delicious Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad served in a bowl with fresh ingredients.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A quick and hearty salad featuring tender chicken, crisp romaine, and a tangy Caesar dressing, perfect for weeknight dinners and potlucks.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch, Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce
  • 12 oz dry rotini pasta or penne Rotini holds dressing well; penne gives a cleaner bite.
  • 3/4 cup Caesar dressing Use your favorite bottled or homemade.
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste Optional for classic Caesar flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground.
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt Or to taste.
Salad Ingredients
  • 1 lb cooked chicken breast, diced Leftover roast or grilled chicken works great.
  • 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups croutons Reserve a handful for topping.
  • 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated For best flavor.
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped Optional, for brightness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking. Shake off excess water and transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the Caesar dressing, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, anchovy paste (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Pour half of the dressing over the warm pasta and toss to coat. Let the pasta sit for 5 minutes to absorb flavor.
  5. Add the diced cooked chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley to the pasta. Toss gently to combine.
  6. Fold in the chopped romaine and croutons right before serving to maintain crunch.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 28gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 830mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4g

Notes

Serve the salad in a wide shallow bowl so the pasta and greens can be mixed just before eating. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours; store for up to 3 to 4 days. Do not freeze the assembled salad.

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