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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.2 from 14 reviews

A fresh and satisfying Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad that combines grilled chicken, penne pasta, crisp Romaine lettuce, and vibrant vegetables, all tossed in a classic Caesar dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, this salad offers a perfect balance of protein, veggies, and flavor in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Pasta and Protein

  • 6 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, grilled and chopped

Vegetables and Greens

  • 4 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1/2 medium cucumber, chopped
  • 1 carrot, shredded
  • 1/4 cup green onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

Cheese and Extras

  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup croutons (optional)

Dressing

  • Caesar salad dressing, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the water and set the pasta aside to cool to room temperature.
  2. Prepare chicken: Grill the boneless, skinless chicken breasts until fully cooked and then chop into small chunks for easy mixing.
  3. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the grilled chicken pieces, cooled penne pasta, chopped Romaine lettuce, cucumber, shredded carrot, sliced green onion, halved cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and croutons if using.
  4. Add dressing: Drizzle your desired amount of Caesar salad dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are well coated for maximum flavor.

Notes

  • For best results, grill chicken ahead of time or use store-bought grilled chicken for convenience.
  • Allow the pasta to cool fully before mixing to prevent the lettuce from wilting.
  • Croutons add a nice crunch but can be omitted for a gluten-free option; consider gluten-free croutons instead.
  • Adjust Caesar dressing quantity to your preference for creaminess and flavor intensity.
  • This salad can be served immediately or chilled for 30 minutes for a more refreshing taste.

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