Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts, grilled or pan-seared
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Salad:
- 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 cups penne pasta, cooked and cooled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small cucumber, sliced
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved
- ½ cup croutons (optional)
For the Caesar Dressing (Homemade):
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Grill or pan-sear over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
2. Cook the Pasta
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions.
- Drain, rinse with cold water, and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Make the Caesar Dressing
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper.
- Mix well until creamy.
4. Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and sliced chicken.
- Drizzle with Caesar dressing and toss to coat.
- Top with Parmesan cheese, croutons, and extra black pepper.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days for meal prep.
Notes
Best Ways to Serve Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
✔ As a Main Dish – Serve in a big bowl for a satisfying, balanced meal.
✔ As a Side Dish – Great alongside grilled meats or seafood.
✔ For Meal Prep – Divide into containers for grab-and-go lunches.
✔ With Garlic Bread – The perfect pairing for a complete meal.
✔ As a Wrap – Roll it in a tortilla for a Caesar pasta salad wrap!