Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad (20 Min) Perfect Lunch
A refreshing chilled pasta salad combining tender chicken, crisp romaine, creamy Caesar dressing, and Parmesan for a no-fuss summer lunch. Ready in 20 minutes with simple prep and storage-friendly for potlucks.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (rotini or penne)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes (optional)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/2 cup roughly crushed croutons
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta (rotini or penne) according to package instructions
- Drain pasta and let cool to room temperature
- Chop or shred cooked chicken breast into 2 cups
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped romaine, and chicken
- Add halved cherry tomatoes if using
- Whisk Caesar dressing to achieve desired consistency
- Pour dressing over the salad and mix thoroughly
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan and crushed croutons
- Season with salt and pepper
- Chill for at least 10 minutes before serving
Notes
Use rotini for better dressing retention
Substitute cooked chicken with turkey for a leaner option
For gluten-free: use toasted almonds or croutons made without additives
Add extra Parmesan at serving if preferred
This salad can be prepped ahead and stored chilled for up to 24 hours without compromising texture
Substitute cooked chicken with turkey for a leaner option
For gluten-free: use toasted almonds or croutons made without additives
Add extra Parmesan at serving if preferred
This salad can be prepped ahead and stored chilled for up to 24 hours without compromising texture
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 19gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 500mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4g
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