Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad


  • Author: Crystal
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x
  • Diet: General

Description

A hearty pasta salad featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy Caesar dressing, tossed with romaine, parmesan, and crunchy garlic butter croutons.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs Chicken Filets or tenderloins, diced
  • 2 tablespoons poultry seasoning like cajun, lemon pepper, etc.
  • 8 strips bacon diced
  • 1 lb. short pasta like rotini or fusilli
  • 12 oz romaine lettuce chopped
  • 1/2 cup parmesan freshly shredded (plus more for topping)
  • 1/2 cup garlic butter croutons partially crushed
  • 1 teaspoon salad supreme seasoning, or to taste Perfect Pinch brand
  • 1/2 cup caesar dressing
  • 1/3 cup ranch dressing
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 small garlic cloves chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the short pasta according to package directions, drain, and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Cook the bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, then remove and crumble.
  3. Add the diced chicken to the same skillet, season with poultry seasoning, and cook until browned and cooked through; let cool.
  4. Whisk together Caesar dressing, ranch dressing, olive oil, and all optional homemade dressing ingredients until smooth.
  5. In a large bowl combine the cooled pasta, chicken, bacon, chopped romaine lettuce, grated parmesan, and partially crushed garlic butter croutons.
  6. Pour the dressing mixture over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salad supreme seasoning, salt, or pepper if desired.
  8. Serve in bowls, topping with extra parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Can be served cold or at room temperature.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Mixed Salad
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: 980 kcal
  • Sugar: 2.5g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 53g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 41g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 59g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 59g
  • Cholesterol: 250 mg

Keywords: chicken, caesar, pasta salad, bacon, homemade dressing