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This loaded Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is pure comfort for warm days or picnic tables when you want all the flavor of a Caesar salad with a heartier twist. The blend of crisp lettuce, pasta, juicy chicken and tangy Caesar dressing is everything I crave in a make-ahead lunch or easy dinner.
I first brought this salad to a park birthday and it disappeared before the cake even came out. It is now my standby for warm weather or when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Romaine lettuce: adds fresh crunchy texture pick tight green heads without wilt
- Cooked chicken: provides protein use leftover roasted chicken or buy a rotisserie for convenience
- Parmesan cheese: delivers creamy salty bite for best results buy a wedge to shred at home
- Rotini or favorite pasta: soaks up dressing opt for short curly shapes that hold sauce
- Croutons: add irresistible crunch look for bakery style or homemade for the best flavor
- Caesar dressing: gives signature zip choose a high quality dressing with a balance of tang and umami
- Black pepper: lifts flavor with a gentle heat grind fresh for best aroma
Instructions
- Cook and cool pasta:
- Cook pasta in salted water following the package timing for al dente bite. Immediately drain and rinse well under cold running water. Drain again thoroughly so salad is not watery. Let it cool to room temperature spread on a tray if needed to speed things up.
- Prep romaine:
- Slice lettuce crosswise into bite size pieces and discard any tough core. Rinse leaves in cold water and spin dry. Chilled lettuce keeps everything crisp when it hits the bowl.
- Combine main ingredients:
- In a large bowl pile in the chopped lettuce cooled pasta shredded chicken and Parmesan cheese. Gently toss with clean hands or two big spoons so all the ingredients are evenly layered.
- Add croutons and dressing:
- Pour Caesar dressing over the salad and scatter in the croutons. Use care when tossing so the croutons stay as crunchy as possible. Sprinkle with black pepper to finish.
- Serve:
- Transfer immediately to a serving dish or individual bowls. Enjoy right away for peak crunch especially if making for guests or a party.
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My favorite part is adding extra big shavings of Parmesan on top. One summer my niece insisted on helping with assembly and her proud smile when she finished still makes this salad taste even better to me.
Storage Tips
Store leftover salad in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two days for best texture. If making ahead for a party keep the croutons in a separate bag and add just before serving to maintain maximum crunch.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap in grilled shrimp or turkey for the chicken if you have it on hand. Bowtie or penne pasta work just as well as rotini. For a lighter version try half Greek yogurt and half Caesar dressing.
Serving Suggestions
This salad holds up well on its own or can be served alongside soup or a light sandwich. For extra color add cherry tomatoes or thin slices of bell pepper. Sprinkle on more cheese or herbs like chopped parsley for a punch of freshness.
Cultural and Historical Context
The original Caesar salad was famously created in Tijuana Mexico by Caesar Cardini in the 1920s. This pasta variation is a modern evolution perfect for hearty meals and gatherings with friends.
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This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is sure to earn repeat requests at every gathering. Make it once and you'll want to serve it all summer long.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different pasta types?
Yes, you can substitute rotini with penne, fusilli, or any pasta that holds dressing well for bite-sized pieces.
- → How do I keep the lettuce crisp?
Combine ingredients and serve immediately. Avoid overdressing and use thoroughly dried lettuce for best crunch.
- → What chicken works best?
Both shredded or cubed rotisserie, grilled, or baked chicken are ideal for quick preparation and good texture.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead?
You can prep components in advance, but combine them just before serving to maintain texture and freshness.
- → Are there vegetarian options?
Omit chicken and add chickpeas or grilled tofu for a protein boost while keeping the overall flavors intact.