Description
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines rotini pasta, diced chicken, fresh cherry tomatoes, and romaine lettuce, all tossed in creamy Caesar dressing and topped with Parmesan cheese and optional croutons. It’s a refreshing and satisfying dish, perfect for a light lunch or as a side.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces of rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup croutons (optional, for crunch)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking chicken, if not pre-cooked)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tablespoon of salt).
- Add the rotini pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- If using raw chicken, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, cooking for 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove from skillet and let cool.
- Once cooled, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add to the bowl with the pasta.
- Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and add to the bowl with the pasta and chicken.
- Pour Caesar dressing over the mixture, starting with 1/2 cup and adding more if desired.
- Gently toss everything together until well coated with the dressing.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- If desired, sprinkle croutons on top just before serving.
- Cover and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to meld flavors (optional).
- Toss again before serving and enjoy!
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Croutons may lose their crunch, so consider adding fresh ones when serving leftovers.
- Reheating: If preferred warm, gently reheat chicken and pasta in the microwave, but serving cold is recommended for best flavor and texture.
- Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, or red onions for extra crunch and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes