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Cold Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A close-up of a bowl filled with Cold Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad featuring rotini pasta, chicken chunks, romaine lettuce, and grated Parmesan.
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A simple recipe for a creamy, chilled pasta salad featuring cooked chicken, romaine lettuce, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for make-ahead meals or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
  • 2 cups cooked, diced chicken breast
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for topping
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Caesar dressing (bottled or homemade)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup seasoned croutons (optional, add just before serving)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
  2. While the pasta cools, prepare the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Caesar dressing, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, pepper, and salt until smooth.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced cooked chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
  4. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. If using croutons, gently fold them in right before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • For best texture, add croutons immediately before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
  • You can substitute grilled chicken for pre-cooked chicken. Ensure the chicken is fully cooled before mixing it into the salad.
  • This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonfulsnap.com/cold-chicken-caesar-pasta-salad-recipe/