This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is quick and tasty! With tender chicken, crunchy romaine lettuce, and creamy Caesar dressing mixed with pasta, it’s a fun twist on the classic salad.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This spiral-shaped pasta is perfect for catching the dressing and other ingredients. If rotini isn’t available, fusilli, penne, or farfalle (bow-tie) can easily work as substitutes.
Cooked Chicken Breast: Diced rotisserie chicken makes this dish extra quick. Alternatively, you can use leftover grilled chicken or even a plant-based protein if you prefer a vegetarian option.
Romaine Lettuce: Its crisp texture adds freshness. If you’re out of romaine, try iceberg lettuce or even baby spinach for a softer touch.
Caesar Dressing: Bottled Caesar dressing saves time. If you’re looking for a lighter option, homemade or yogurt-based dressings can be a delicious alternative.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, use pre-grated Parmesan or a different hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
How Do You Keep Croutons Crispy in Your Pasta Salad?
A common issue is soggy croutons. The secret is to add them at the very end, just before serving. This way, they stay crunchy and add a fantastic texture to the salad. Here are a few tips:
- Choose store-bought croutons or toast bread cubes in the oven until they are golden and crunchy.
- Only fold in the croutons right before you serve the salad to prevent them from absorbing moisture.
- If you prefer, you can mix the salad without croutons and add individual portions of croutons for each serving to ensure they’re always crispy!
20-Minute Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup Caesar dressing
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup croutons
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need about 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and another 10 minutes to assemble the salad, making a total of 20 minutes. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a delicious meal any time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually around 7-9 minutes). Once it’s ready, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set it aside to let it drain completely.
2. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, and the cooled rotini pasta. Give it a gentle toss to mix everything together.
3. Add Dressing and Cheese:
Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the chicken and pasta mixture. Toss everything well to coat it thoroughly. Then, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix again. Season with salt and pepper to your taste to enhance the flavors.
4. Fold in the Croutons:
Right before serving, gently fold in the croutons. This keeps them nice and crispy, adding a delightful crunch to your salad.
5. Serve and Garnish:
If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color. Serve your Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad immediately and enjoy this tasty meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works great in this salad, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you like such as penne, farfalle, or even whole-wheat pasta for a healthier option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
What If I Don’t Have Cooked Chicken?
No problem! You can use a rotisserie chicken for convenience, or simply cook chicken breasts in a skillet, grill, or bake them until fully cooked and then dice. If you want a vegetarian version, consider using chickpeas or grilled tofu as a protein substitute!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may soften a bit, so if you’d like it a bit more fresh, consider adding a little extra dressing before serving again.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prep the ingredients a few hours in advance! Combine the pasta, chicken, and lettuce, then store them separately from the dressing and croutons. Just mix everything together right before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and the croutons crunchy!
