Ila's Cold Chicken and Pasta Caesar Salad
Elevate your salad game with Ila's Cold Chicken and Pasta Caesar Salad—a refreshing twist on a classic favorite. This recipe combines tender, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts, al dente pasta, and crisp romaine lettuce, all tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing with a tangy hint of lemon. Topped with crunchy croutons and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, this hearty salad delivers big on flavor and texture. Perfect for meal prep or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, it can be prepared in just 40 minutes and is served chilled for ultimate summer comfort. Garnish with fresh parsley for an added pop of color and freshness. Whether enjoyed as a light entree or a side, this easy chicken and pasta Caesar salad is a satisfying, no-fuss dish that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
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Ingredients
- 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 cups Short pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)
- 1 head Romaine lettuce
- 1 cup Croutons
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 cup Caesar dressing
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Step 2
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Set aside to cool.
Step 3
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
Step 4
Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl.
Step 5
Slice the cooled chicken into thin strips and add to the salad bowl.
Step 6
Add the cooled pasta, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl.
Step 7
In a small bowl, whisk together the Caesar dressing, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil until smooth.
Step 8
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Step 9
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for up to 1 hour before serving.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1656.9g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2249.3 |
| Total Fat 79.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 21.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 5.4g | |
| Cholesterol 339.8mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5459.3mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 218.3g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 18.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 21.9g | |
| Protein 164.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 3.5IU | 0% |
| Calcium 810.9mg | 0% |
| Iron 13.5mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2415.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories