This crowd-pleasing recipe combines the bold flavors of Caesar salad with the hearty comfort of pasta. Here’s a breakdown of how to prepare it, some tasty variations, and helpful tips!
Ingredients
- Rotini pasta: 12 oz, cooked and cooled
- Chicken: 2 cups cooked and shredded or diced (grilled, roasted, or rotisserie works great!)
- Bacon: 6 slices, cooked and crumbled
- Croutons: 1 cup, for crunch
- Cheese: 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan or mozzarella (or both!)
- Salad greens: 2 cups (romaine, spinach, or arugula work well)
- Dressing: 1/2 cup Caesar dressing or ranch
- McCormick Perfect Pinch Salad Supreme seasoning: 1 tsp (for a flavorful kick)
- Black pepper: To taste
Construction
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down.
- Prepare the Chicken and Bacon: Cook the chicken (if not already cooked) and bacon. Chop or shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta, chicken, bacon, salad greens, croutons, and cheese.
- Dress and Season: Drizzle with Caesar or ranch dressing, sprinkle the Salad Supreme seasoning, and add a pinch of black pepper. Toss everything gently to coat evenly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately for maximum freshness or chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Variations
- Protein Swap: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, turkey, or tofu for a different twist.
- Pasta Options: Use bowtie, penne, or even whole wheat pasta for a variation in texture and health benefits.
- Add Veggies: Cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, or avocado chunks can add freshness and color.
- Cheese Variety: Swap Parmesan for feta, cheddar, or even blue cheese.
- Custom Croutons: Try garlic butter, rosemary, or chili-spiced croutons for extra flavor.
- Lighter Dressing: Use a yogurt-based Caesar dressing or make your own for a healthier option.
Tips
- Cool Pasta Properly: Rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to stop it from overcooking and clumping.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the salad (minus croutons and dressing) a few hours ahead. Add the dressing and croutons just before serving to prevent sogginess.
- Season as Needed: Taste test before serving and adjust the seasoning, dressing, or cheese to your preference.
- Extra Crunch: Toast the croutons in a bit of olive oil and garlic for extra crunchiness.
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is versatile, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. Thank you for sharing the inspiration!