Description
Mediterranean-inspired chicken caesar pasta salad beckons with creamy dressing and crisp romaine, blending classic flavors into a refreshing summer meal. Cool pasta and tender chicken create a perfect balance, inviting you to savor each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Poultry:
- 2 cups cooked and cooled chopped chicken
- 11/2 cups cooked and crumbled bacon
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 1 pound pasta, cooked and chilled
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 1 bag croutons (5 ounces / 142 grams)
- 1 can sliced olives (optional)
Cheese and Dressing:
- 11/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 bottle Caesar dressing (16 ounces / 473 milliliters)
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, then rapidly cool under cold running water to halt cooking and prevent sticking.
- Grill or pan-sear chicken breasts until fully cooked, then slice into bite-sized cubes.
- Finely chop crisp romaine lettuce and thinly slice red onion to add fresh crunch and sharp flavor.
- Crumble crispy bacon into rustic pieces and prepare crunchy croutons for textural contrast.
- Combine chilled pasta, seasoned chicken, lettuce, and red onion in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese and sliced black olives over the mixture for added depth.
- Drizzle creamy Caesar dressing across the salad, gently tossing to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated.
- Crack fresh black pepper over the top to enhance the overall seasoning.
- Allow salad to marinate in refrigerator for 15-30 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and intensify before serving.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan and croutons just before presenting for maximum texture and visual appeal.
Notes
- Swap grilled or rotisserie chicken for a quicker, more flavorful protein option that saves cooking time.
- Use gluten-free pasta and croutons to make this dish celiac-friendly and accommodating for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time and store separately to maintain crunch and prevent soggy salad textures.
- Consider adding extra fresh herbs like basil or chives for a bright, zesty flavor boost that elevates the classic Caesar profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg