Description
A meal prep favorite, this layered salad combines cooked pasta, grilled chicken, crisp romaine, and creamy Caesar dressing, all stored in jars for a convenient and fresh lunch option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or bowties) (Cooked until al dente)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (grilled, baked, or rotisserie) (Shredded or chopped)
- 4 cups romaine lettuce (Chopped into bite-size pieces)
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (Classic, light, or dairy-free)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (Freshly shaved or grated)
- 1 cup croutons (Store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (Optional but adds juiciness)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (For added brightness)
- to taste black pepper (For seasoning)
- to taste sea salt (For seasoning)
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook pasta in salted water until just al dente, then rinse quickly under cool water and drain well.
- Prep chicken. Grill, bake, or shred rotisserie chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon.
- Wash and dry romaine thoroughly, then chop into bite-size pieces.
Assembly
- Get your jars ready—wide-mouth quart jars for hearty portions or pint jars for smaller servings.
- Layer in this order: dressing, hearty ingredients (like tomatoes), pasta, chicken, Parmesan, and greens on top.
- Add croutons last or keep them in a separate bag to maintain their crispness.
- Seal, chill, and enjoy throughout the week.
Notes
Keep the dressing at the bottom of the jar to prevent the greens from wilting. Jars can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. To serve, shake the jar or dump it into a bowl and toss.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Main Course
- Cuisine: American