Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
A vibrant dish combining tender chicken, crisp lettuce, smoky bacon, and savory Caesar dressing, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or tenderloins, diced
- 8 strips bacon, diced Cook until crispy
- 1 lb short pasta like rotini or fusilli Cook to al dente
- 12 oz romaine lettuce, chopped Add just before serving for freshness
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded parmesan Plus more for topping
- 1/2 cup garlic butter croutons, partially crushed Add just before serving for crunch
- 1 teaspoon salad supreme seasoning Adjust to taste
- 1/2 cup caesar dressing
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking chicken
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 small garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken pieces liberally on all sides with your desired seasoning.
- In a skillet over medium-low heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy on both sides. Remove and place on a paper towel to absorb grease.
- Remove most of the bacon grease from the skillet, add olive oil, and cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook to al dente according to package instructions. Strain pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water.
Assembly
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, bacon, parmesan, salad supreme seasoning, and dressings.
- Add the romaine lettuce and croutons just before serving to maintain their freshness.
Serving
- Top with extra parmesan and seasoning before serving for an appealing presentation.
Notes
For the best results, use high-quality ingredients. Consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier option and experiment with seasonings.