Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A refreshing salad combining classic Caesar flavors with hearty pasta, perfect for picnics and light dinners.

Prep Time15

Cook Time15

Total Time30

Course: Main

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Easy

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 450kcal

Step 1: Cook the Pasta - Begin by cooking your farfalle pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to season your water with a bit of salt for added flavor. Once cooked to al dente, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken - If you don’t already have cooked chicken on hand, you can easily prepare boneless chicken breasts by grilling, baking, or boiling them. Once cooked, let the chicken cool slightly before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Mix the Salad Ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, chopped cooked chicken, and crumbled bacon. Gently toss the ingredients together until everything is well distributed.
Step 4: Add the Dressing - Pour the Caesar dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Use a spatula or tongs to gently mix the dressing into the salad until all the ingredients are well coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more dressing if desired.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve - Once the salad is mixed, serve it in bowls, garnishing each portion with shredded Parmesan cheese, extra crumbled bacon, and a handful of croutons for added crunch. You can also sprinkle a bit more dressing on top for an extra flavor boost if desired.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Keep dressing and croutons separate until serving to maintain crispness.