Description
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines the creamy, savory flavors of a classic Caesar salad with hearty pasta and succulent grilled chicken. It’s a refreshing yet filling dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a nutritious family dinner.
Ingredients
1 pound pasta, cooked and chilled 
2 cups cooked and cooled chopped chicken 
2 cups Roman lettuce, chopped 
1/2 a red onion, chopped 
1 bag croutons (5oz) 
1 can sliced olives (optional) 
1–1 1/2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese 
1–1 1/2 cups cooked and crumbled bacon 
1 bottle Caesar dressing (16 oz) 
Ground pepper to taste 
Instructions
Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water until chilled. Set aside in a large bowl.
Prepare Ingredients: Chop the cooked chicken, Roman lettuce, and red onion. If using olives, drain them from the can.
Assemble Salad: Add the cooked and cooled chicken, chopped lettuce, chopped red onion, croutons, sliced olives (if using), shredded Parmesan cheese, and crumbled bacon to the bowl with the chilled pasta.
Dress the Salad: Pour the Caesar dressing over the salad ingredients.
Mix Well: Gently toss all the ingredients together until evenly coated with the dressing. Season with ground pepper to taste.
Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve: Serve chilled as a refreshing main dish or side salad. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad! 
Notes
- For a lighter version, use a low-fat Caesar dressing or make your own with Greek yogurt.
- The salad can be customized with additional vegetables or by substituting the chicken with another protein, such as shrimp or tofu.
- Can be adapted for vegetarian or gluten-free diets.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for pasta)
- Category: Main Dish/Salad
- Method: Tossing/Mixing
- Cuisine: American/Italian
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
- Sugar: 3g (Varies with dressing used)
- Sodium: 700mg (Varies with dressing and cheese used)
- Fat: 22g (Varies with dressing used)
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g