Chilled Chicken and Veggie Pasta Caesar Salad
This Chilled Chicken and Veggie Pasta Caesar Salad is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, perfect for warm days or as a refreshing side dish. Featuring tender chicken breast, colorful vegetables, and bow tie or spiral pasta, this salad is both satisfying and nutritious. Tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing with a hint of soy sauce, it balances savory and crunchy with the addition of chopped peanuts for that perfect crunch. Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or easy weeknight dinners, this dish serves a crowd with ease and can be made ahead for quick serving. Treat your family and friends to a vibrant, chilled salad that is sure to please everyone's palate!
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken Breasts
2-3 (Cubed)
Salt
To taste
Pepper
To taste
Garlic Salt
1 teaspoon
Bow Tie Pasta or Spiral Pasta
1 lb (Cooked)
Broccoli
2 bunches (Chopped)
Sliced Mushrooms
8 ounces
Shredded Carrots
8 ounces
Caesar Salad Dressing
6-8 ounces
Soy Sauce
To taste
Peanuts
As desired (Lightly chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan over medium heat, add cubed chicken breasts seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic salt. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes.
2
Meanwhile, steam the chopped broccoli, sliced mushrooms, and shredded carrots until they are slightly tender yet still vibrant, about 4-5 minutes.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, steamed vegetables, and cooked pasta.
4
Drizzle the Caesar salad dressing over the mixture, adding soy sauce to taste. Toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
5
Sprinkle lightly chopped peanuts over the top for added crunch and flavor, adjusting the amount based on preference.
6
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor. Serve cold and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chilled Chicken and Veggie Pasta Caesar Salad?
It is a refreshing fusion of tender chicken breast, colorful vegetables, and pasta tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing with a hint of soy sauce and crunchy peanuts.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 10 servings.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is categorized as a meal that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.
What kind of chicken is used in this salad?
The recipe calls for 2 to 3 chicken breasts, cubed.
How should I season the chicken?
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and one teaspoon of garlic salt.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The cubed chicken should be cooked in a saucepan for approximately 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
What types of pasta are recommended?
Bow tie pasta or spiral pasta are the recommended shapes for this recipe.
How much pasta do I need?
The recipe requires 1 pound of cooked pasta.
What vegetables are included in this salad?
The salad includes chopped broccoli, sliced mushrooms, and shredded carrots.
How much broccoli is required?
You will need 2 bunches of chopped broccoli.
How long should I steam the vegetables?
Steam the broccoli, mushrooms, and carrots for about 4-5 minutes until they are slightly tender yet vibrant.
What kind of dressing is used?
The recipe uses 6-8 ounces of Caesar salad dressing.
Why is soy sauce added to the recipe?
Soy sauce is added to taste to balance the savory flavors of the salad.
What ingredient provides the crunch?
Lightly chopped peanuts are sprinkled on top to provide a perfect crunch.
How much garlic salt is used?
One teaspoon of garlic salt is used to season the chicken.
How much sliced mushrooms are needed?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms.
How much shredded carrots are needed?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of shredded carrots.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
It is recommended to chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
This salad is designed to be served chilled.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator for quick serving.
What occasions is this salad suitable for?
It is ideal for picnics, potlucks, easy weeknight dinners, or warm summer days.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 specific ingredients listed for this recipe.
Can I adjust the amount of peanuts?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of peanuts or omit them based on your personal preference.
What is the texture of the vegetables?
The vegetables should be steamed until slightly tender but still vibrant and crisp.
How should the chicken be prepared before cooking?
The chicken breasts should be cubed into bite-sized pieces.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to cook seasoned cubed chicken in a large saucepan until browned.
How are the ingredients combined?
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, steamed vegetables, and cooked pasta before tossing with dressing.
Is there any salt used in the recipe?
Yes, salt is used to taste for seasoning the chicken.
Is pepper used in this recipe?
Yes, pepper is used to taste along with salt and garlic salt.
What is the primary category of this meal?
This meal falls under the category of recipes that take less than 30 minutes.