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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Zesty Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad for Quick Weeknight Dinners

A high-protein Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad perfect for meal prep and gatherings, featuring grilled chicken, turkey bacon, and creamy Caesar dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Rotini Pasta Can substitute with penne or bowtie if desired.
For the Protein
  • 2 cups Grilled Chicken Diced into bite-sized pieces.
  • 4 strips Turkey Bacon Cook until crispy, can substitute with regular bacon.
For the Vegetables
  • 2 cups Romaine Lettuce Add just before serving for freshness.
For the Toppings
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese Grated or shredded for easy mixing.
  • ¾ cup Caesar Dressing Use high-quality dressing for best flavor.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • Large spoon
  • tongs

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook 8 ounces of rotini pasta according to package directions, typically around 8–10 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally and rinse under cold water once cooked.
  2. While the pasta cools, dice 2 cups of grilled chicken into bite-sized pieces. Next, cook 4 strips of turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until crispy. Crumble and set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta with diced grilled chicken, crumbled turkey bacon, and 2 cups of chopped romaine lettuce. Grate or shred ½ cup of parmesan cheese over the top.
  4. Pour ¾ cup of Caesar dressing over the pasta and salad mixture, and gently toss everything together to ensure all ingredients are well-coated.
  5. Serve immediately garnished with additional parmesan or cover salad and refrigerate for up to 2 hours, adding lettuce just before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1800IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Rinse pasta after cooking to prevent mushiness. Adjust dressing to suit creaminess preference, and add romaine just before serving for maximum freshness.

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