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Best Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Perfect for Summer Meals

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A vibrant and refreshing chicken Caesar pasta salad combining grilled chicken, rotini pasta, crisp romaine, and a creamy homemade Caesar dressing. Perfect for quick, satisfying summer meals and picnics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g)
  • 1 large head romaine lettuce (about 6 cups chopped)
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup (50 g) shaved Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup (30 g) croutons
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp anchovy paste (optional)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Olive oil (for tossing pasta)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 9-11 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Preheat your grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Grill chicken 6-7 minutes per side until juices run clear and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, ¼ cup grated Parmesan, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp anchovy paste (optional), 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Chop 1 large head of romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes. Shave or grate ½ cup Parmesan cheese if not pre-shredded.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, romaine, cherry tomatoes, and sliced chicken. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently until everything is coated evenly. Sprinkle shaved Parmesan and croutons on top for crunch. Toss just before serving to keep croutons crispy.

Notes

Grill chicken properly over medium-high heat and let it rest to keep it juicy. Toss salad just before serving to keep croutons crispy. If dressing is too thick, add a splash of water or milk to loosen. Use fresh lemon juice for brightness. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Anchovy paste is optional but recommended for authentic flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken Caesar pasta salad, summer salad, grilled chicken salad, easy pasta salad, Caesar dressing, rotini pasta salad

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/best-chicken-caesar-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-perfect-for-summer-meals/