Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a summer favorite, combining chilled pasta, juicy chicken, and classic Caesar salad flavors. This dish is perfect as a BBQ side, lighter lunch, or a satisfying dinner with protein, carbs, veggies, and cheese.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  
  

• ¼ tsp salt
  
  

• ¼ tsp black pepper
  
  

• ½ tsp dried dill
  
  

• ½ tsp garlic powder
  
  

• 6-8 oz pasta (cellentani, penne, or bowtie)
  
  

• 2 heads romaine lettuce, sliced (6-8 cups)
  
  

• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
  
  

• ⅓ cup croutons or bread crumbs
  
  

Caesar Dressing:

• ¾ cup mayonnaise (more as needed)
  
  

• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  
  

• 2 tablespoons capers and brine
  
  

• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  
  

• ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  
  

• ¼ tsp salt
  
  

• ¼ tsp pepper
  
  

• 2-3 tablespoons water (to thin dressing)
  
  

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions (about 20 minutes). Rinse with cold water and drain.
   
   

2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, dill, and garlic powder. Slice in half for quicker cooking. Heat a greased pan over medium/high heat and cook chicken for 8-10 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Set aside and let rest.
   
   

3. Make Caesar dressing by blending all dressing ingredients in a small food processor until smooth. Adjust seasoning and consistency as needed.
   
   

4. Slice chicken into cubes.
   
   

5. In a large bowl, toss cooled pasta, sliced romaine, Parmesan, chicken, and ¾ of the dressing.
   
   

6. Add croutons or bread crumbs and toss lightly. Add more dressing if desired. Serve immediately.
   
   

Nutritional Value by Grams (per serving approx.)

• Calories: 394 kcal
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 12 g
  
  

• Protein: 29 g
  
  

• Fat: 26 g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 5 g
  
  

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 13 g
  
  

• Monounsaturated Fat: 6 g
  
  

• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 87 mg
  
  

• Sodium: 908 mg
  
  

• Potassium: 1070 mg
  
  

• Fiber: 5 g
  
  

• Sugar: 4 g
  
  

• Vitamin A: 18,399 IU
  
  

• Vitamin C: 15 mg
  
  

• Calcium: 142 mg
  
  

• Iron: 3 mg