Classic Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

$- Rotini pasta - Cooked chicken breast - Romaine lettuce - Cherry tomatoes - Parmesan cheese - Caesar dressing - Garlic powder - Salt and pepper - Optional: Croutons To make a Classic Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, you need fresh and simple ingredients. This dish is all about balance. Each component adds a unique flavor and texture. First, let’s start with rotini pasta. Its spiral shape holds the dressing well, making every bite tasty. You’ll need two cups of rotini pasta. Next, add cooked chicken breast. Dice it into small pieces. I suggest one cup. It adds protein and heartiness to the salad. You can’t forget romaine lettuce. You want one cup, chopped roughly. Romaine brings a crisp crunch to the dish. Now, grab cherry tomatoes. Halve them and use half a cup. Their sweetness pairs well with the savory flavors. For a cheesy kick, you’ll need Parmesan cheese. Use about a quarter cup, grated. It adds creaminess and depth. The heart of this salad is the Caesar dressing. You’ll need a quarter cup. It ties all the flavors together. A touch of garlic powder enhances the flavor. Just a quarter teaspoon will do. Lastly, season with salt and pepper to taste. These simple spices elevate the dish. If you like crunch, add optional croutons. A quarter cup adds a nice texture. Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to make a delicious salad! {{ingredient_image_2}} To cook rotini pasta, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt for flavor. Toss in the rotini and cook for about eight to ten minutes. Check the pasta for doneness; it should be al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander. After draining, cool the pasta by rinsing it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta quickly. Set it aside to ensure it is ready for the salad. Grab a large mixing bowl and add the cooled rotini pasta. Next, add one cup of cooked, diced chicken breast. Then toss in one cup of roughly chopped Romaine lettuce and half a cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Gently mix these ingredients together. You want everything to combine well, but be careful not to crush the lettuce or tomatoes. This gentle mixing keeps the salad fresh and crisp. In a small bowl, combine the Caesar dressing with a quarter teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir it well to blend the flavors. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add salt and pepper to your liking. Once the dressing is ready, pour it over the pasta salad. Gently toss the salad again so the dressing coats everything evenly. Finally, sprinkle in the quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese. If you like some crunch, add optional croutons at this point. Mix everything lightly to distribute the croutons without breaking them. To make your chicken Caesar pasta salad shine, focus on flavor. Start by cooking the rotini pasta properly. Use a large pot of salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain it and rinse under cold water. This stops cooking and cools the pasta. Next, evenly mix your salad ingredients. Combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, chopped romaine, and halved cherry tomatoes in a large bowl. Toss them gently to mix without breaking the pasta. This step ensures every bite has a taste of each ingredient. For the dressing, mix the Caesar dressing with garlic powder in a small bowl. Taste it and add salt and pepper to your liking. This personalized touch makes your dressing stand out. Pour it over the salad and toss again. You want every piece of pasta and chicken coated with flavor. Serving your salad well makes a big difference. Use a large, attractive bowl to show off your salad. This makes it look inviting and fresh. For added flair, garnish your dish with extra shavings of Parmesan. A sprinkle of croutons on top gives it a nice crunch. You can also drizzle a little more Caesar dressing over the salad. This adds visual appeal and extra flavor. Enjoy your meal! Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure your rotini pasta is cooked al dente for the best texture. It will hold up better in the salad and won't become mushy when mixed with the dressing. Cool Pasta Properly: After cooking the pasta, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. This prevents the pasta from sticking together. Customize Your Protein: Feel free to substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option, making this salad versatile for different dietary preferences. Add Fresh Herbs: Toss in some fresh basil or parsley for an added layer of flavor and freshness. It brightens up the salad and enhances its taste. {{image_4}} You can make your Classic Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad unique. Start by adding more vegetables. Try bell peppers, cucumbers, or even avocados for extra crunch and flavor. Mixing in peas or spinach adds color and nutrients, too. If you want to swap out the chicken, there are many protein substitutes. Grilled shrimp or salmon can add a nice touch. For a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or tofu. These options keep your meal tasty and interesting! Using a homemade Caesar dressing can elevate your salad. It's easy! Just blend garlic, anchovies, lemon juice, and olive oil. Add Parmesan for that classic flavor. You can also use store-bought dressings if you're short on time. If Caesar dressing isn’t your thing, try alternatives like ranch or vinaigrette. Ranch gives a creamy texture, while vinaigrette adds a tangy flavor. Both pair well with the pasta and chicken, making it a versatile dish. To keep your chicken Caesar pasta salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This will help prevent the salad from drying out or absorbing other smells in the fridge. Place the container in the refrigerator right after serving. Your salad will last for about 3 days in the fridge. After that, the flavors may fade, and the lettuce can become soggy. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, take the salad out of the fridge. If it seems dry, add a bit more Caesar dressing to revive it. Mix it well so every bite is tasty. Avoid reheating this salad as it is best served cold. If you need to keep the texture crisp, add croutons just before serving. This keeps them crunchy and enhances the salad's flavor. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can! This salad tastes great if you make it ahead. Just chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the flavors mix well. When you are ready to serve, give it a light toss. How do I make the salad more filling? To make the salad more filling, you can add more protein. Try using chickpeas or beans for a tasty twist. You can also add more pasta or some avocado for creaminess. What can I substitute for chicken? You have many options! If you want a vegetarian dish, use grilled tofu or roasted veggies. Cooked shrimp or salmon also work well if you like seafood. Is Caesar salad dressing gluten-free? It depends on the brand. Many store-bought Caesar dressings have gluten. Always check the label. If you want to be sure, you can make your own dressing at home. This way, you control the ingredients and keep it gluten-free. This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is simple and tasty. We explored the key ingredients, like rotini pasta and fresh veggies. You learned how to cook and prepare everything step-by-step. We also shared tips for perfecting the flavors and some fun variations to try. Storing leftovers was covered too, so you can enjoy it later. Remember, you can mix things up to fit your taste. Enjoy making this dish your own! Happy cooking!$

Classic Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A delicious and refreshing pasta salad featuring rotini, chicken, and a creamy Caesar dressing.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 30

Course Salad

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups rotini pasta
1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
1 cup romaine lettuce, roughly chopped
0.5 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
0.25 cup Caesar dressing
0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste salt and pepper
0.25 cup croutons (optional for crunch)

Instructions

Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, diced chicken breast, chopped romaine lettuce, and halved cherry tomatoes. Gently mix the ingredients to combine.
In a small bowl, mix the Caesar dressing with garlic powder. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
Pour the dressing mixture over the pasta salad and toss all the ingredients gently to combine well.
Add the grated Parmesan and optional croutons. Mix lightly again to ensure the croutons are evenly distributed.
Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

Serve in a large bowl garnished with extra Parmesan shavings and a drizzle of Caesar dressing.

Keyword Caesar dressing, chicken salad, pasta salad