Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Pasta: I love using rotini for its great shape that holds the dressing well. Penne works too! If you prefer a lighter option, try whole grain or gluten-free pasta.

Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is best, but you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience. Leftover chicken from a previous meal works great as well!

Romaine Lettuce: Fresh romaine adds nice crunch. If you can’t find romaine, try spinach or mixed greens instead for a different taste.

Caesar Dressing: Using store-bought dressing is quick and easy, but making your own is fun! If you’d like to make it lighter, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise as a base.

Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds flavor, but any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or a vegan cheese can be a tasty alternative.

How Do I Cook Pasta Perfectly?

Cooking pasta can be tricky, but follow these simple steps for perfect results:

• Start with a large pot of water, at least 4-6 quarts. Add a generous amount of salt to enhance flavor.
• Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the pasta. Stir immediately to prevent sticking.
• Cook according to the package directions until just al dente (firm to the bite). Taste it a minute or two before the timer goes off.
• Once done, drain the pasta in a colander but do not rinse it! Rinsing removes the starch that helps sauces cling.
• Spread it out on a baking sheet to cool quickly, preventing it from cooking further.

Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Pasta and Salad Base:

• 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
• 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

Dressing and Toppings:

• 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• 1/2 cup croutons, broken into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to cook the pasta, mix everything together, and let it chill. If you choose to refrigerate it for a couple of hours, that’s just to let the flavors meld and make it even more delicious—how easy is that?

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This will help prevent it from getting mushy. Set the cooled pasta aside.

2. Mix the Base Ingredients:

In a big bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the diced chicken breast. This is where all the flavors start to come together!

3. Add Fresh Ingredients:

Now it’s time to add the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes (if you want), and the grated Parmesan cheese. These ingredients add a lovely freshness and crunch to the salad.

4. Dress the Salad:

Pour your Caesar dressing over the salad mixture. Using a large spoon or tongs, gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing.

5. Season:

Give your salad a taste, then season with a little salt and black pepper. Adjust as needed for your preference.

6. Add Toppings:

Right before serving, sprinkle some croutons and chopped fresh parsley on top for added crunch and color. This keeps them from getting soggy!

7. Serve:

Your salad is ready to enjoy! You can serve it immediately or, if you prefer, pop it in the fridge for up to 2 hours to let those flavors mingle. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit!

Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works great. Just make sure it’s diced or shredded into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The salad may become a little soggy over time, so it’s best to add croutons just before serving if you know you’ll have leftovers!

Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?

Sure! While rotini or penne are great options, you can use any pasta shape you like. Just be mindful of the cooking time and adjust accordingly based on the type of pasta you choose!

Is There a Vegan Option for This Salad?

Yes! You can substitute cooked chicken with chickpeas or tofu for the protein. For the dressing, look for a vegan Caesar dressing or make your own using blended cashews and nutritional yeast for a creamy base.