Description
A fresh, hearty blend of Caesar salad and pasta salad in one delicious bowl. Made with juicy chicken, crisp romaine, al dente pasta, creamy Caesar dressing, and crunchy croutons, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep. It’s a satisfying, balanced meal that’s as versatile as it is flavorful.
Ingredients
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8 oz (about 2 ½ cups) rotini, penne, or bowtie pasta
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2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded (grilled, roasted, or rotisserie)
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3 cups chopped romaine lettuce
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¾ cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
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½ cup grated or shaved Parmesan cheese
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1 cup croutons
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Optional: ½ cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
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Optional: ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
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Optional: ¼ cup bacon bits
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
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Prepare the Chicken: Slice or shred cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Let cool if freshly cooked.
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Chop Lettuce: Wash, dry, and chop romaine into bite-sized pieces.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix pasta, chicken, lettuce, and Caesar dressing until well coated.
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Add Cheese & Pepper: Sprinkle in Parmesan and black pepper; toss gently.
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Top with Croutons: Add croutons just before serving for crunch.
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Serve or Chill: Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 2 hours. Garnish with lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
To prevent sogginess, keep lettuce and croutons separate if making ahead.
Use gluten-free pasta and croutons for a gluten-free version.
Lighten it up with a yogurt-based dressing.
Add your favorite veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: Tossed, Boiled
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken caesar pasta salad, pasta salad with chicken, caesar salad pasta, cold pasta salad, summer salad, meal prep salad