Caesar Pasta Salad: the mouthwatering recipe for an effortless main dish
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If you're on the hunt for a fantastically flavorful, yet super simple main meal that you can throw together on a busy weeknight, look no further than this chicken Caesar pasta salad recipe inspired by classic Caesar salad.
Packed with juicy, tender chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and that classic creamy Caesar dressing, this easy pasta salad will satisfy your taste buds and leave you satiated.
It's fast and easy to prepare, and a great way to feed a larger group, making it a brilliant choice for potlucks, picnics, and barbecues as well. You can even customize it by adding extra ingredients to the dish. Chicken Caesar pasta salad is so good, that it's sure to become a regular fixture on your dinner table.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Ingredients
This sensational, hearty dish only calls for seven ingredients, so it's ideal when you're in the mood for an uncomplicated yet flavorful main meal.
To make this chicken Caesar pasta salad, you'll need firm, crisp lettuce like romaine, bite-sized cherry tomatoes, pasta, savory parmesan cheese, croutons, and Caesar salad dressing.
You'll also need some cooked chicken. Either rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken will work, but you can cook it from scratch, too.
Use either homemade or store-bought dressing and croutons.
How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
This fabulous Caesar pasta salad couldn't be easier to make. It only takes two steps. First, cook the pasta in a large pot of water according to the directions on the package. You want to cook it to al dente. Once it's cooked, drain the pasta and give it a quick rinse under cold water so it's nice and cool for assembling the salad.
Next, mix the lettuce, pasta, chicken, tomatoes, parmesan, dressing, and croutons in a large bowl. Toss the ingredients well so that everything's coated in that lovely dressing. Serve your salad immediately or cover it and chill it until it's time to eat.
Tips for Making Easy Caesar Pasta Salad
Save time and use a rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken from scratch.
Cut your chicken so it's roughly the same size as the pasta. This makes the salad easier to eat.
Make sure to keep your ingredients chilled. This will help prevent the lettuce from wilting as quickly.
Don't wait too long before serving your salad. It will taste its best immediately after being assembled.
Caesar Pasta Salad Variations
Want to make your Caesar pasta salad even more delicious? Sprinkle some chopped cooked bacon over the top of the pasta salad.
Try swapping out the parmesan for cheddar, goat, pecorino, or blue cheese.
You can also jazz it up with extra veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, spinach, red onion, or avocado.
For a brighter salad, add a spritz of lemon juice.
Not keen on chicken? Shrimp, salmon, or even steak would be just as delicious in this pasta salad.
You can use other types of pasta. Shells, fusilli, rotini, and farfalle are all great alternatives.
How to Store Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Your chicken Caesar pasta salad will look and taste its best when served immediately after assembly. However, if you have leftovers, you can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days.
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Ingredients
Instructions
Boil a large pot of water. Prepare the pasta according to the instructions on the box for al dente.
Drain, rinse under cold water, then set aside.
Combine the lettuce, pasta, chicken, tomatoes, parmesan, dressing, and croutons in a large bowl.
Toss well to coat. Serve.
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