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Crispy Grilled Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe with Easy Parmesan Crisps

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A vibrant and satisfying Caesar pasta salad featuring smoky grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, creamy dressing, and crispy baked Parmesan crisps. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 340 g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 oz (225 g) short pasta (rotini or penne)
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce (about 2 heads)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • 1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
  • 1/4 cup sliced red onion
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for crisps)
  • Optional: pinch of black pepper or Italian herbs for crisps

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and rub with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let rest for 10 minutes.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
  3. Heat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
  4. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Place tablespoon-sized mounds of grated Parmesan spaced 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly and optionally sprinkle with pepper or herbs. Bake 5-7 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool completely before removing.
  5. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  6. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion. Top with sliced chicken.
  7. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently to coat evenly. Garnish with Parmesan crisps just before serving to keep them crunchy.

Notes

Add Parmesan crisps just before serving to keep them crunchy. Rest grilled chicken before slicing to retain juices. Use fresh Parmesan for best crisp results. Dressing can be loosened with a splash of water or olive oil if too thick. Store salad and dressing separately from crisps for up to 2 days refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caesar pasta salad, grilled chicken salad, Parmesan crisps, easy pasta salad, weeknight dinner, summer salad, creamy dressing

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/crispy-grilled-chicken-caesar-pasta-salad-recipe-with-easy-parmesan-crisps/