Ultimate Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Experience the vibrant combination of flavors in this Ultimate Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, a delightful fusion of traditional Caesar salad and hearty pasta dish. This recipe is designed for those busy evenings when you crave a substantial meal without the hassle of extensive cooking. Tossed with freshly cubed chicken, colorful veggies, and a rich Caesar dressing, this dish is perfect for meal prep or serving at gatherings. Customize it to your liking by adjusting the amount of vegetables and greens, allowing for a personalized touch! Enjoy a burst of flavors and textures that will satisfy your cravings while keeping things fresh and uncomplicated.
8
Servings
390
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
rotini pasta
16 ounces (uncooked)
mixed salad greens
1 package (usually around 6 ounces)
cooked chicken
2 cups (cubed)
Caesar salad dressing
1 bottle (8 ounces)
red wine vinegar
1/4 cup
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
cherry tomatoes
1 cup
cucumber
1 (chopped)
carrot
1 (shredded)
sliced ripe olives
1 can (2 ounces) (drained)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Caesar dressing and red wine vinegar, mixing until smooth and well-integrated.
2
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, then cover and refrigerate the dressing until ready to use.
3
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente.
4
Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and immediately rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to drain thoroughly.
5
Remove the mixing bowl from the refrigerator and add the cooled pasta to the dressing. Gently fold in the cooked chicken, mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, shredded carrot, and sliced olives, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing.
6
For best results, serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If preparing ahead, keep the greens separate until serving to maintain their crispness.
Nutrition Information
16
Fat
40
Carbs
31
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The main dish is the Ultimate Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, which is a fusion of traditional Caesar salad and a hearty pasta dish.
How many servings does this pasta salad recipe yield?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What are the calorie counts for a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 390 calories.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
Rotini pasta is used for this recipe, specifically a 16-ounce package.
How much chicken is required?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of cooked chicken, cubed.
What ingredients are used to make the dressing base?
The dressing is made by combining an 8-ounce bottle of Caesar salad dressing with 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
How long should the pasta be cooked?
The pasta should be cooked according to package instructions, typically 8 to 10 minutes until al dente.
Why should the pasta be rinsed under cold water?
Rinsing the pasta under cold water stops the cooking process and cools it down for the salad.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, chopped cucumber, shredded carrot, and sliced ripe olives.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 31 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 16 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can this recipe be used for meal prep?
Yes, it is tagged as a meal prep recipe and is ideal for preparing in advance.
What is the best way to keep the salad greens crisp?
If preparing ahead of time, keep the greens separate from the dressed pasta until you are ready to serve.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
While it can be served immediately, refrigerating for about 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together better.
How many main ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients listed in the recipe.
What size bottle of Caesar dressing is needed?
An 8-ounce bottle of Caesar salad dressing is required.
What size can of olives should be used?
A 2-ounce can of sliced ripe olives, drained, is used.
What type of cheese is used in the dressing?
Grated Parmesan cheese is used.
Is this recipe suitable for a busy evening?
Yes, it is designed as an easy dinner and a one-dish meal for those with limited time.
Can I customize the vegetables in this salad?
Yes, the recipe encourages customization by adjusting the amount of vegetables and greens to your liking.
What is the weight of the mixed salad greens?
The package of mixed salad greens is usually around 6 ounces.
What is the first step in preparing the dressing?
The first step is to combine the Caesar dressing and red wine vinegar in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
How many cherry tomatoes are needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of cherry tomatoes.
Is there any sugar or fiber information available?
The provided data does not specify the sugar or fiber content for this recipe.
What is the total carbohydrate count?
The carbohydrate count is 40 grams per serving.
What is the recommended pasta texture?
The pasta should be cooked until it is al dente.
Should the dressing be refrigerated?
Yes, the dressing should be covered and refrigerated after mixing until you are ready to combine it with the pasta.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a salad, pasta salad, Caesar salad, chicken salad, and a one-dish meal.
How much red wine vinegar is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar.