Description
A creamy, tangy pasta salad with chicken, romaine, and Parmesan, perfect for quick meals and potlucks.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 oz Pasta (rotini, penne, or bowties) (Cooked according to package instructions)
- 2 cups Cooked chicken (Chopped or shredded)
Salad Base
- 4 cups Romaine lettuce (Chopped)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (Grated or shaved)
- 1 cup Croutons (For crunch)
Dressing and Flavor
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (Store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice (Optional, brightens the flavor)
- to taste Black pepper (For seasoning)
Optional Extras
- 1/2 cup Bacon bits (Optional add-in)
- 1/2 cup Cherry tomatoes (Optional add-in)
- 1/2 cup Sliced cucumbers (Optional add-in)
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta in salted water until just tender. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process.
- Chop the cooked chicken into bite-size pieces. Ensure the romaine is washed and dried thoroughly.
Mixing
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, and Parmesan cheese.
- Add Caesar dressing and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Adjust flavor with a squeeze of lemon juice and black pepper.
Serving
- Right before serving, fold in the chopped romaine and sprinkle croutons on top for added crunch.
Notes
For meal prep, keep romaine and croutons separate until serving. This salad holds well in the fridge for about 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Salad
- Cuisine: American