Deluxe Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

Delicious Deluxe Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad places soft pastas, grilled or baked chicken, crisp veggies of romaine lettuce, and Parmesan cheese with crunchy little croutons, mixed in healthy creamy Caesar dressing. The “deluxe” part is by introducing new additional options like cherry tomatoes and bacon, giving it a little twist of flavor and texture, more “with it”. It’s creamy, savory, and filling-actually comfort food in a bowl, but still fresh enough for summer.

Ingredients

For the salad:

• 3 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
• 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup croutons
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional but so good)

For the dressing:

• 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

How to Make Deluxe Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

1. Boil the pasta as the packet indicates and let it cool down after that.
2. Keep chicken ready: chop up those precooked slices or grill, bake, and then slice them up.
3. This step involves mixing the ingredients that will jazz up the meal: Combine the Caesar salad, lemon juice, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
4. Put bacon, chicken, tomatoes, lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and pasta in a large bowl.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until all of the components are evenly coated. Top with croutons just before serving for an added crunchy flavor.

Storage Tips

• Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for a maximum of 2 days in an airtight container.
• Keep croutons separate until served to avoid losing their crunch.
• Drizzle out if the pasta soaks up a thicker dressing right before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Garlic bread could be a good side due to all that moisture content in the dressing.
• You can serve it with assorted grilled veggies for a complete living experience.
• Perfect for a picnic, BBQ, or a meal prep lunch.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Healthy as hell and made even healthier by using whole-wheat pasta!
• Have a lighter shrimp option for the chicken.
• Do not forget the creamy feeling from the avocado.
• For a burst of heat, crush some red chillies.

FAQs

1. Will it be vegetarian?

Yes, it shall be! Just leave out the chicken and bacon, and add the chickpeas or roasted veggies.

2. What kind of pasta is best?

Rotini, penne, or bowtie pasta are good to hold the dressing.

3. Can I use a rotisserie

Sure, it’s a quick and tasty shortcut.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, provided you use gluten-free pasta and croutons.

Try It!

This Deluxe Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is creamy and filling, and has flavor to the max. It is the type of dish that works well for quick dinners, for potlucks, or even meal prep. Once you try it, you will know why I come back to it again and again. It really is a crowd-pleaser! Go ahead and whip a batch; each morsel will be pleasantly memorable!‍