Why Make This Recipe
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. It brings together the heartiness of pasta, the crunch of fresh romaine, and the savory taste of chicken and bacon. This dish is perfect for a warm day, a picnic, or a family gathering. It’s easy to prepare, offering both comfort and satisfaction in every bite. Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day!
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or tenderloins, diced
- 2 tablespoons poultry seasoning (like cajun, lemon pepper, etc.)
- 8 strips bacon (diced)
- 1 lb. short pasta like rotini or fusilli
- 12 oz romaine lettuce (chopped)
- 1/2 cup parmesan (freshly shredded (plus more for topping))
- 1/2 cup garlic butter croutons (partially crushed)
- 1 teaspoon salad supreme seasoning, or to taste (Perfect Pinch brand)
- 1/2 cup caesar dressing
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 small garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Directions:
- Season the chicken pieces with your chosen seasoning, like cajun or lemon pepper.
- In a skillet over medium-low heat, add the diced bacon. Cook until it’s crispy on both sides, then remove and place it on a paper towel to absorb the grease. Remove most of the bacon grease from the skillet.
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook to al dente according to package instructions. Strain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, bacon, parmesan, salad supreme seasoning, and dressings. If you plan to have leftovers, it’s best not to add the croutons or romaine to the entire bowl as the lettuce will wilt and croutons can get mushy.
- To serve, top with extra parmesan and salad supreme seasoning.
How to Serve Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Serve the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature. It makes a fantastic side dish or a light main dish. You can add extra toppings like more croutons or fresh herbs for added flavor. It’s perfect for summer barbecues or as a meal prep option for the week!
How to Store Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. If you’ve mixed in the lettuce and croutons, it’s best to eat it within a day to enjoy its freshness. For longer shelf life, keep the salad components separate and mix them when you’re ready to serve.
Tips to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Cook Everything Fresh: For the best flavor and texture, cook the chicken and bacon fresh.
- Choose Your Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with different seasoning blends on the chicken for varied flavors.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use freshly grated parmesan for a richer flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
- Cooling the Pasta: Rinsing the pasta under cold water helps stop the cooking process and keeps it from becoming too soft.
Variation
You can customize this salad by adding other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or avocado. You can also switch the protein with grilled shrimp or tofu for a different taste!
FAQs
1. Can I make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and pasta in advance and store them separately. Combine everything just before serving for the freshest taste.
2. What can I use if I don’t have Caesar dressing?
If you don’t have Caesar dressing, you can mix together yogurt and parmesan with some lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic for a tasty alternative.
3. Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta in place of regular pasta, and check the labels for other ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Season the chicken pieces with your chosen seasoning, like cajun or lemon pepper.
- In a skillet over medium-low heat, add the diced bacon. Cook until it’s crispy on both sides, then remove and place it on a paper towel to absorb the grease. Remove most of the bacon grease from the skillet.
- In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook to al dente according to package instructions. Strain the pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, bacon, parmesan, salad supreme seasoning, and dressings.
- If you plan to have leftovers, it’s best not to add the croutons or romaine to the entire bowl as the lettuce will wilt and croutons can get mushy.
- To serve, top with extra parmesan and salad supreme seasoning.