Ingredients
- Pasta: 8 oz of Rotini, Penne, Bowtie, or Fusilli
- Caesar Dressing: 1 cup, store-bought or homemade
- Chicken: 10 oz, grilled or leftover rotisserie
- Vegetables:
- Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
- Cucumber: 1 cup, cubed
- Romaine lettuce: 1 head, chopped
- Golden raisins: ½ cup (optional)
- Cheese and Croutons:
- Parmesan cheese: 1½ oz, shaved
- Croutons: 1 cup, store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: Mix 1 cup Caesar dressing, store-bought or follow a homemade recipe for a fresher flavor.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil 8 oz of pasta until slightly past al dente, about 9-10 minutes. Drain and toss with ½ cup of dressing while warm.
- Chill the Pasta: Spread the pasta on a baking sheet and chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes.
- Prep the Ingredients: Halve cherry tomatoes, cube cucumber, shave Parmesan, and chop romaine lettuce.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix chilled pasta, chicken, vegetables, and the remaining ½ cup of dressing.
- Add Croutons: Just before serving, mix in croutons to maintain crunchiness.
Notes
- Customize by substituting chicken with shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Consider homemade croutons for extra freshness and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Boiling, Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Caesar Pasta Salad, Creamy Pasta Salad, Family Dinner Recipes, Picnic Salad Ideas, Potluck Dishes