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This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is my go to when I need something bright and hearty that is still easy to make on a busy weeknight. The creamy Caesar dressing ties tender chicken and al dente pasta in with crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes for a dish that always feels like a treat yet comes together in under half an hour.
I first whipped up this salad when I had leftover grilled chicken and a craving for Caesar salad and now everyone always asks me to bring it to our family potlucks.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken: about two cups diced Choose roasted or grilled for flavor Use rotisserie for convenience
- Rotini or fusilli pasta: eight ounces Look for bronze cut pasta for the best sauce cling and texture Gluten free brands work well here too
- Romaine lettuce: four cups chopped Hearts of romaine have the best crunch Select fresh vibrant green leaves
- Cherry tomatoes: one cup halved Seek out firm and sweet tomatoes or use grape tomatoes if you prefer
- Parmesan cheese: half a cup grated For the best flavor grate your own cheese from a wedge rather than buying pre shredded
- Caesar dressing: half a cup Opt for a thick creamy dressing Read ingredient labels if you are gluten free
- Salt and pepper: as needed Fresh cracked black pepper gives the best pop Use kosher salt for a more subtle taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil rotini or fusilli in a large pot of salted water following the package directions until just al dente This usually takes about eight to ten minutes Taste a noodle to check Don’t let it get mushy Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it with cold water to cool and stop cooking
- Prepare the Salad Base:
- Roughly chop romaine lettuce and slice cherry tomatoes in half Place in a large mixing bowl Add the diced cooked chicken and grate fresh Parmesan cheese right over the other ingredients This keeps the cheese light and fluffy which helps it distribute into the salad
- Dress and Toss:
- Pour the creamy Caesar dressing over the entire bowl Toss everything together using a large spoon so each piece of pasta and lettuce gets evenly coated If you love extra dressing you can add a little more but add slowly to avoid overdressing
- Finish and Serve:
- Season the salad generously with salt and black pepper Toss one more time Taste and adjust seasoning Scoop into individual bowls or serve right from the mixing bowl Enjoy immediately for the crispest lettuce
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Romaine lettuce really steals the show for me I love how its crunch balances the soft pasta and I have fond memories of my kids munching on the leftover leaves while I finish tossing the salad for dinner
Storage Tips
Chicken Caesar pasta salad will keep covered in the fridge for up to two days but the lettuce can get less crisp with time If you want to prep ahead keep the lettuce and dressing separate and toss together just before serving for maximum freshness
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have rotini or fusilli any short pasta like penne or shells will work Grilled shrimp is a delicious swap for chicken and you can top with toasted chickpeas instead of cheese for a dairy free version
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Serving Suggestions
Serve on its own for lunch or pile onto a platter for a buffet style dinner I also love scooping spoonfuls onto crisp toasted bread for an open faced sandwich style meal
Cultural Context
Chicken Caesar pasta salad is a modern American spin inspired by classic Caesar salad which originated in Tijuana Mexico in the 1920s Pasta and chicken turn the famous side dish into a satisfying main course perfect for casual gatherings
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta such as penne, bowtie, or gluten-free varieties can be used.
- → How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply substitute regular pasta with a certified gluten-free variety to suit dietary needs.
- → What protein alternatives work well?
Grilled shrimp or roasted turkey are delicious swaps for chicken in this salad.
- → Can the salad be made in advance?
Yes, prep ingredients ahead and combine just before serving to keep lettuce crisp.
- → What can I serve alongside this dish?
Pair with crusty bread or a light soup for a more filling meal experience.