Description
A creamy and hearty pasta salad featuring tender chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, crunchy croutons, and classic Caesar dressing for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup Caesar dressing
- 1 cup croutons
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse briefly under cold water to cool it down.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced or shredded chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- In a smaller bowl, whisk together the Caesar dressing, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Add the croutons just before serving to keep them crunchy.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use rotini, penne, or bow tie pasta for the best texture and dressing coverage.
- Rotisserie chicken works well for a quick and flavorful shortcut.
- Add cherry tomatoes or sliced avocado for extra freshness and texture.
- Use grilled chicken breast and lighter Caesar dressing for a lighter version.
- Whole wheat or chickpea pasta can be used for extra nutrition.
- Roasted chickpeas or sunflower seeds add extra crunch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Keep croutons separate until serving to maintain crispness.
- Add a little extra Caesar dressing before serving leftovers to refresh the salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
