Description
A refreshing and flavorful Caesar Pasta Salad featuring al dente rotini pasta tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing with crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons. Optional diced chicken adds protein for a heartier meal. Perfect served chilled or at room temperature, making it an ideal dish for summer lunches or light dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Dressing
- 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salad Components
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup croutons
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1/2 cup cooked and diced chicken breast (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the rotini or penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Caesar dressing, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Toss Pasta with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the cooled pasta and toss thoroughly to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add Salad Ingredients: Incorporate the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, and croutons into the bowl with the dressed pasta. Gently mix all ingredients to combine without bruising the lettuce.
- Add Optional Chicken: If using, fold in the cooked and diced chicken breast to add protein and substance to the salad.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the salad as a garnish. Serve the Caesar Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use a vegetarian Caesar dressing.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Add croutons just before serving to maintain their crunchiness.
