Ingredients
To recreate this beloved dish, you’ll need a selection of fresh and flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
– **Pasta**: I love using rotini or penne because they hold the dressing beautifully, but feel free to use any pasta you have on hand.
– **Grilled chicken**: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts seasoned with salt, pepper, and a hint of garlic powder.
– **Romaine lettuce**: Crisp and fresh, it adds a nice crunch.
– **Caesar dressing**: You can use store-bought or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous.
– **Parmesan cheese**: Freshly grated for that authentic Caesar flavor.
– **Cherry tomatoes**: Halved, these add a pop of color and freshness.
– **Croutons**: For added crunch and texture.
– **Lemon juice**: A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens up the entire dish.
Instructions
Creating this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is as easy as it is rewarding. Here’s how you can bring this cherished recipe to life:
1. **Cook the pasta**: Begin by cooking your pasta of choice according to package instructions. Remember to salt the water generously, as Mama Lou always said it should taste like the sea.
2. **Prepare the chicken**: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Grill them over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Let them rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
3. **Assemble the salad**: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, and croutons.
4. **Dress the salad**: Drizzle Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Be sure to coat everything evenly for the best flavor.
5. **Add the finishing touches**: Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice for that extra zing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International