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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A quick and easy salad featuring pasta, chicken, bacon, and a delicious blend of Caesar and Ranch dressings, perfect for meal prep or a refreshing meal any day.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups diced chicken (tenderloins or chicken breasts) Cook until golden brown.
  • 4 slices bacon Cook until crispy.
  • 8 ounces short pasta Use fusilli or rotini; cook al dente.
  • 4 cups romaine lettuce (chopped) Can mix with spinach.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly shredded or grated) Don’t skimp here!
  • 1 cup croutons Store-bought or homemade garlic croutons.
  • 1 tablespoon salad supreme seasoning Optional, adds nice touch.
  • 1/2 cup Caesar dressing Use your favorite brand.
  • 1/2 cup Ranch dressing Combines well with Caesar dressing.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking the chicken.
  • 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning Can substitute with cajun or lemon pepper.
  • salt and pepper To taste.

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, add the bacon and cook until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
  3. In the same skillet, add the diced chicken, drizzle with olive oil, and season with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. While the chicken is cooking, mix the Caesar and Ranch dressings in a bowl.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, crumbled bacon, romaine lettuce, and Parmesan cheese. Add the croutons and the mixed dressing, then toss.
  6. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to blend flavors, or serve immediately.

Notes

This salad is adaptable. Use shrimp or leftover grilled chicken in place of chicken. Keep dressings separate until serving to avoid sogginess.