Description
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is the perfect fusion of fresh salad and hearty pasta. Packed with juicy chicken, crisp romaine, sweet cherry tomatoes, and spiral rotini pasta, it’s all tossed in creamy Caesar dressing for a satisfying dish you can serve chilled as a meal or a side!
Ingredients
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2 cups rotini pasta
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1 cup cooked chicken, diced (grilled or rotisserie)
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1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
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1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/2 cup Caesar dressing
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional: croutons, for topping
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Optional: chopped parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside. -
Prepare the Chicken
Dice cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Use grilled or rotisserie chicken for added flavor and ease. -
Make the Dressing Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together Caesar dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. -
Toss the Salad
In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, diced chicken, chopped romaine, and halved cherry tomatoes. Pour the dressing mixture over the top and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
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Chill and Serve
Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, toss again and top with croutons and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
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For extra protein, add hard-boiled eggs or chickpeas.
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Keep croutons separate until just before serving to preserve crunch.
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Adjust dressing quantity to your taste — add more for extra creaminess or less for a lighter option.
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Best served chilled, but can be eaten immediately if time is short.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop, No-Bake
- Cuisine: American