Introduction
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a delightful twist on the classic Caesar salad, combining the heartiness of pasta with the rich flavors of grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy dressing. This dish is not only satisfying but also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a side at gatherings and potlucks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavorful and Filling: The combination of tender rotini pasta, savory chicken, and crispy bacon creates a satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor.
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in no time, making it a great option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. You can add extra veggies, switch up the cheese, or use a different dressing for a unique spin.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad holds up well in the fridge, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. Just make sure to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve for optimal freshness.
Ingredients
Rotini pasta
Cooked chicken (grilled or shredded)
Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
Croutons
Cheese (Parmesan or your choice, shredded)
Salad greens (like romaine or mixed greens)
Ranch or Caesar dressing (your preference)
McCormick Perfect Pinch Salad Supreme seasoning
Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil Pasta:
Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
Cook Chicken:
If you haven’t already, cook the chicken (grill or bake) and shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Cook Bacon:
Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small pieces.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Mix Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the cooled rotini pasta, chicken, crumbled bacon, croutons, cheese, and salad greens.
Dress the Salad:
Drizzle with your choice of ranch or Caesar dressing. Sprinkle with McCormick Perfect Pinch Salad Supreme seasoning and black pepper.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Toss:
Gently toss all ingredients together until well combined and evenly coated with dressing.
Chill (Optional):
For best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.
Storage Methods
To keep your Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration
Cool Down:
Allow the pasta salad to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the salad from becoming soggy.
Use an Airtight Container:
Transfer the salad to an airtight container. Ensure it’s sealed tightly to prevent air exposure.
Label:
Write the date on the container to keep track of freshness.
Store:
Place the container in the refrigerator. The salad can be stored for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
Not Recommended:
Freezing pasta salad is generally not recommended, as the texture of the pasta and vegetables can become mushy upon thawing. However, if you have leftover cooked chicken or bacon, you can freeze those separately.
Reheating
Refrigerated Salad:
If you’ve stored the salad in the fridge, simply take it out and give it a good stir before serving. You may want to add a little extra dressing if it seems dry.
Final Touch
For the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to add fresh croutons and dressing just before serving. This way, you maintain the crunchiness of the salad components. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad! 🥗✨