Description
A fresh and satisfying Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combining whole wheat fusilli pasta, tender cooked chicken breast, crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy croutons, and parmesan cheese all tossed in a homemade Caesar dressing. Perfect for a quick, nutritious lunch or light dinner, this salad is full of vibrant flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 8 ounces whole wheat fusilli pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 12 ounces cooked chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables and Salad Components
- 1 romaine lettuce heart, chopped (about 8 ounces)
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- ¾ cup croutons
- â…“ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Dressing
- 1 batch Homemade Caesar Dressing
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat fusilli pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse the pasta with cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Cook the chicken breast using your preferred method such as Instant Pot, slow cooker, or oven until fully cooked. Once cooled slightly, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Make Caesar Dressing: Prepare the homemade Caesar dressing if you do not have it ready. This dressing typically involves ingredients like garlic, anchovies, egg yolk, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese blended until creamy.
- Assemble Salad: In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked chicken pieces, chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, crunchy croutons, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle the homemade Caesar dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything gently to coat evenly. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute the whole wheat pasta with any pasta shape of your choice.
- For added protein, grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken works well.
- Make the Caesar dressing ahead of time and refrigerate to enhance flavors.
- Add freshly cracked black pepper or a squeeze of lemon for an extra zing.
- The salad is great for meal prep and keeps well for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
