Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (grilled or rotisserie work great)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup croutons
- 2 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice for added freshness
Feel free to substitute the rotini with your favorite pasta shape, and if you’re a fan of extra veggies, throw in some cucumbers or bell peppers. This salad is all about making it your own!
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, red onion, and Romaine lettuce.
- Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the top of the salad mixture. Toss gently to ensure everything is well coated. If desired, add lemon juice for a bit of zing.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re like me and enjoy a bit of crunch, top the salad with croutons just before serving to keep them crispy.
- Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Remember, cooking is an art, not a science. Feel free to adjust the seasoning and ingredients to fit your family’s taste. Every time I make this, I’m reminded of those busy nights when a quick, nutritious meal was what we needed to reconnect.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International