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Creamy Grilled Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

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A creamy, crunchy, and smoky pasta salad featuring grilled chicken, homemade Caesar dressing, and crunchy croutons, perfect for easy summer meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) rotini or bow-tie pasta
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound/450g), grilled and sliced thin
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 cups cubed day-old bread (French baguette or sourdough)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of rotini or bow-tie pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 9-11 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside to cool.
  2. While pasta cooks, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a light brush of olive oil. Grill chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
  3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss 3 cups cubed day-old bread with 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs, and a pinch of salt. Spread evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, tossing halfway through, until golden and crunchy. Let cool.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup grated Parmesan, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, sliced grilled chicken, 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes (optional), and ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  6. Just before serving, sprinkle the crunchy croutons on top to keep their texture intact. If prepping ahead, keep the croutons separate until ready to serve.

Notes

Let chicken come to room temperature before grilling for even cooking. Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Add croutons just before serving to keep them crunchy. For gluten-free, swap pasta and bread accordingly. For lighter dressing, substitute half mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. Variations include vegetarian, dairy-free, and spicy versions.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy grilled chicken Caesar pasta salad, summer pasta salad, grilled chicken salad, homemade Caesar dressing, crunchy croutons, easy summer meals

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/creamy-grilled-chicken-caesar-pasta-salad-recipe-for-easy-summer-meals/