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Creamy Grilled Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

creamy grilled chicken caesar pasta salad - featured image
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A smoky grilled chicken pasta salad tossed with crisp Romaine and creamy homemade Caesar dressing, perfect for summer cookouts and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g), pounded to even thickness
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 oz (225 g) fusilli or rotini pasta
  • Salt, for pasta water
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • ¼ cup shaved Parmesan or Parmesan crisps (optional)
  • Croutons, store-bought or homemade

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and brush with olive oil. Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let rest for about 5 minutes.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fusilli or rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8–10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  4. Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place chicken breasts on hot grill and cook 5–7 minutes per side, turning once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chopped Romaine, and cherry tomatoes if using. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly. Add sliced grilled chicken on top.
  6. Sprinkle shaved Parmesan or Parmesan crisps and croutons over the salad for extra texture. Serve immediately or chill slightly if preferred.

Notes

Do not toss the salad too early to keep Romaine crisp. Let grilled chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor. May substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for lighter dressing and gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, Caesar salad, pasta salad, summer recipe, easy dinner, creamy dressing, healthy salad

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/creamy-grilled-chicken-caesar-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/