Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines the classic flavors of Caesar salad with tender grilled chicken and al dente pasta for a hearty and satisfying dish.
With its creamy Caesar dressing, crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and savory Parmesan cheese, this salad is a delicious and filling option for any meal. Let’s explore how to make this flavorful and nutritious Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad!
How Long Will It Take To Prepare?
The preparation time for Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad can vary depending on factors such as cooking the pasta and chicken and assembling the salad. Here’s an estimated breakdown:
- Cooking the pasta: This step will take approximately 10-12 minutes, following the package instructions until the pasta is al dente.
- Preparing and grilling the chicken: Preparing the chicken breasts, seasoning, and grilling them should take about 15-20 minutes in total, including preheating the grill and resting the chicken after cooking.
- Making the dressing: Whisking together the ingredients for the Caesar dressing typically takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Chopping the vegetables and assembling the salad: This step can take around 10-15 minutes, depending on your chopping speed and the number of ingredients you’re using.
- Tossing the salad with the dressing: Tossing the pasta, chicken, and vegetables with the Caesar dressing should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Total Time: 40-55 minutes
- Serving: 4-6 People
How Do You Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad?
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines the classic flavors of Caesar salad with pasta and grilled chicken for a satisfying and flavorful dish. Here’s a simple recipe to guide you through making it:
Essential Ingredients For Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad:
For the Salad
- 8 oz (about 225g) penne pasta or any pasta of your choice
- Two boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- One tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- Two tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Two cloves garlic, minced
- One teaspoon of Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Essential Instructions For The Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad:
Step 1
Cook the Pasta
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 2
Grill the Chicken
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Step 3
Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
Step 4
Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 5
Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley (if using). Add the sliced grilled chicken to the bowl.
Step 6
Toss with Dressing
Pour the prepared Caesar dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything together until the pasta, chicken, and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 7
Serve
Transfer the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad to a serving dish or individual plates. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Step 8
Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Additional Tips For Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad:
- You can customize the salad by adding other ingredients such as croutons, sliced black olives, or roasted red peppers.
- If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise in the dressing.
- Leftover Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, you can add a little extra dressing before serving.
Nutrition Facts Of Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition facts for Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad per serving, based on the ingredients and quantities provided in the recipe:
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 500 calories |
| Total Fat | 25 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 8 grams |
| Cholesterol | 90 milligrams |
| Sodium | 800 milligrams |
| Total Carbohydrates | 35 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 5 grams |
| Sugars | 5 grams |
| Protein | 30 grams |
Conclusion
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying meal or side dish.
Whether enjoyed as a main course or served alongside your favorite entrees, this salad is sure to impress with its delicious combination of ingredients. Enjoy its classic Caesar flavors in a convenient pasta salad format!