Description
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines tender rotini pasta, juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and crunchy romaine lettuce all tossed in rich Caesar dressing and parmesan cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, this hearty salad offers a satisfying blend of classic Caesar flavors with a delicious pasta twist. Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 2 cups diced grilled chicken
- 8 ounces bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 heart romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup Caesar salad dressing
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Place the cooked pasta, diced grilled chicken, crumbled bacon, chopped romaine lettuce, and shredded parmesan cheese in a large bowl.
- Add the Caesar salad dressing to the bowl and toss everything to combine.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
For substitutions, use turkey bacon or omit for a lighter dish, and swap rotini for penne or fusilli if desired. You can prepare the ingredients ahead and store each component separately in the refrigerator; combine just before serving for peak freshness. Leftovers can be stored, covered, in the fridge for up to 2 days, though the lettuce may wilt. If the salad becomes dry, add extra dressing before serving. Troubleshooting tip: ensure the pasta is fully cooled for best texture and to avoid wilting the lettuce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad