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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Deliciously Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad for Quick Dinners

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a quick, nutritious, and comforting meal perfect for busy nights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts Substitution: Use rotisserie chicken to save prep time.
  • 8 ounces Rotini, penne, or farfalle pasta Prep Note: Cook al dente to maintain texture.
  • 4 cups Romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes Prep Note: Halve for bite-sized pieces.
  • 1/2 cup Red onion Substitution: Green onions for a milder taste.
  • 1 cup Croutons Note: Keep croutons separate until serving to prevent sogginess.
For the Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Substitution: Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese Substitution: Grated pecorino for a sharper flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Caesar salad dressing Tip: A homemade version can elevate the dish.
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves Garlic Tip: Storing minced garlic in the fridge offers ease of use.
For Cooking
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil For cooking the chicken, adding a rich flavor to the dish.
  • 1 tablespoon Seasoning mix Combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt to elevate taste.

Equipment

  • skillet
  • large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Pound the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness for even cooking. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest before dicing.
  2. Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Caesar dressing, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt. Optionally, thin with milk or cream.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with the dressing. Toss gently to coat each strand. Add diced chicken, romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion. Mix carefully.
  5. Transfer salad to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and sprinkle croutons on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended. Enjoy chilled or slightly warmed.

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