Looking for a deliciously light twist on a classic favorite? Dive into our "Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Lightened Up," where creamy Caesar meets hearty whole wheat pasta in a vibrant, refreshing dish that's perfect for any occasion! With just 35 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Whether you're meal prepping for the week or hosting a summer gathering, this salad will leave your guests begging for seconds. Ready to elevate your salad game? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/4 cup light Caesar dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the whole wheat pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down quickly.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients: dice the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped romaine lettuce.
- Drizzle the light Caesar dressing over the pasta mixture, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the salad, gently tossing to distribute the cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.
- Serve chilled as a light and refreshing meal or side dish.
Tips
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure you cook the whole wheat pasta until al dente for the perfect texture. This helps it hold up well in the salad and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Cool the Pasta: Rinsing the pasta under cold water after draining not only stops the cooking process but also helps to keep the salad refreshing and cool.
- Ingredient Prep: Prepare all your ingredients while the pasta is cooking. This will save you time and keep the process smooth.
- Toss Gently: When mixing the salad, toss the ingredients gently to avoid breaking the pasta or wilting the lettuce.
- Chill for Flavor: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other veggies or proteins you love! Cucumber, bell peppers, or even some crispy bacon can add extra flavor and texture.
- Serve Fresh: For the best taste, serve the salad fresh after chilling. If you're making it ahead of time, consider adding the dressing just before serving to keep everything crisp.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 344kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 49mg
