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Creamy Grilled Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

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A quick and easy creamy grilled chicken Caesar pasta salad perfect for summer, combining smoky grilled chicken, crisp romaine, and a rich Caesar dressing with pasta.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound / 450g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 8 ounces (225g) rotini or penne pasta (whole wheat or gluten-free if preferred)
  • 3 cups chopped romaine lettuce (roughly 3 large leaves)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup croutons (store-bought or homemade, gluten-free if needed)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter option)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 2 teaspoons anchovy paste (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before grilling to cook evenly.
  2. Place chicken on the hot grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until grill marks appear and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid flipping too often to get a nice crust. Once done, transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes.
  3. While the chicken rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down for the salad.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and anchovy paste until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and shredded Parmesan. Slice the grilled chicken thinly and add on top. Drizzle the creamy Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is coated.
  6. Just before serving, sprinkle the croutons for a crunchy contrast. Toss lightly one last time to mix.

Notes

Let chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy. Rinse pasta under cold water to stop cooking and cool for salad. Add croutons last to maintain crunch. Dressing can be made ahead and adjusted for tanginess or creaminess. For vegan version, omit chicken and use plant-based Caesar dressing.

Nutrition

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

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