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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 0h 15m
  • Cook Time: 0h 10m
  • Total Time: 0h 25m
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a refreshing and hearty dish combining tender rotini pasta, diced chicken breast, crisp romaine lettuce, and crunchy croutons all tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, it brings together classic Caesar salad flavors with the satisfying texture of pasta, enhanced by a hint of garlic and Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1/4 cup croutons
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Dressing and Seasoning

  • 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. Cool the Pasta: Set the cooked pasta aside to allow it to cool completely before mixing with other ingredients.
  3. Prepare Garlic Oil: While the pasta is cooling, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a small pan over medium heat.
  4. Sauté Garlic Powder: Once the oil is heated, add the garlic powder to the pan and stir for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
  5. Remove from Heat: Remove the pan from the heat and set it aside to cool.
  6. Dice Chicken: Dice the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and set it aside.
  7. Combine Pasta and Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta and diced chicken.
  8. Add Romaine Lettuce: Chop the romaine lettuce into small, bite-sized pieces and add it to the bowl with the pasta and chicken.
  9. Add Caesar Dressing: Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the pasta, chicken, and lettuce mixture, making sure to coat everything evenly.
  10. Add Parmesan Cheese: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl and toss all ingredients together gently.
  11. Add Croutons and Season: Sprinkle the croutons over the salad, then season with black pepper and salt.
  12. Toss Salad: Toss the salad again, ensuring the croutons are well-distributed throughout the mixture.
  13. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt, pepper, or dressing.
  14. Serve or Refrigerate: Serve immediately or refrigerate the salad for up to an hour before serving to enhance flavors.

Notes

  • Use cooked chicken breast that has been cooled for best texture and flavor integration.
  • Rinsing pasta under cold water stops cooking and helps prevent clumping.
  • Adding garlic powder to heated oil enhances the flavor without overwhelming the dish.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute rotini pasta and croutons with gluten-free varieties.
  • This salad is best served chilled but can be enjoyed at room temperature.
  • Adjust the amount of Caesar dressing and seasoning to suit your taste preferences.

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Find it online: https://everydaykitchenmeals.com/chicken-caesar-pasta-salad-recipe/