Chicken Caesar pasta salad 🥗
I used Springer Farms fully cooked grilled chicken strips. You can also use rotisserie chicken or cook your own chicken breast. I’m sure frozen chicken strips would also work fine if you defrost/cook them first. I just happened to have these, and I was looking for a quick and easy option. Also, another quick and easy option is to use a pre-bagged Caesar salad kit. This one is the Fresh Express chopped Caesar salad kit. It’s just up to you, but I found both of the shortcuts to be just fine and equally as delicious. I would just use whatever you have on hand.
🍅 Ingredients
1 cup dry penne pasta
8 oz grilled chicken strips
Caesar salad kit (if not using a kit, I would do 4 cups of chopped romaine, 1/2 cup Caesar dressing, 1/2 cup of croutons, and maybe 1/4-1/2 of a cup or whatever you would like of shredded Parmesan cheese)
1/2 medium size cucumber, halved and sliced
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup finely diced red onion
🍅 Directions
💚 STEP 1: Add chopped lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and sliced cucumber to a large serving bowl.
💚 STEP 2: Cook pasta al dente according to package directions.
💚 STEP 3: Heat some oil in a non-stick skillet and add chicken. Cook until golden brown, flipping and stirring occasionally for 4-5 minutes
💚 STEP 4: Add cooked pasta and chicken to salad ingredients already in bowl and toss.
💚 STEP 5: Add in the croutons, the Caesar dressing, and the Parmesan cheese, and toss again to evenly coat everything. Serve!
If you're searching for a tasty and simple dinner option, this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a delightful choice that combines the classic flavors of Caesar salad with pasta. Utilizing ingredients that are often readily available, such as grilled chicken strips—whether cooked from scratch or store-bought—makes preparation a breeze. The salad base can be customized with a variety of fresh vegetables, including crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, refreshing cucumber, and crunchy red onion. Adding a Caesar dressing, along with crispy croutons and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, enhances the dish's flavor profile and texture. This recipe can easily be modified depending on your preferences; feel free to substitute with leftover chicken or try different salad kits for an even quicker prep. Enjoy it as a light main course or as a side dish to complement grilled meats or barbecues. With its delicious blend of flavors and textures, Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is not only satisfying but also a versatile dish that can be enjoyed any time of the year. It’s perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or even a comforting meal at home. Try it out today and impress your family and friends with this easy culinary delight!