Make It Count Kitchen

A fresh, satisfying twist on a classic Caesar

When you’re craving something crisp, creamy, and comforting all at once, this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad hits the spot. It’s a spin on the beloved Caesar salad—only heartier and more filling thanks to tender pasta and juicy chicken. Topped with homemade sourdough croutons and a sprinkle of parmesan, it’s the kind of meal that’s both light and indulgent at the same time.

Perfect for easy weeknight recipes, backyard lunches, or summer dinner recipes when the grill’s off but your appetite isn’t, this dish is simple to prep and packs in texture and flavor.

---

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons low-fat Caesar dressing
• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• ½ box of small pasta (such as shells)
• 2 cups homemade sourdough croutons (see below)
• Cooked chicken breast, sliced or diced (about 1–1½ cups)
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese, to taste

For the homemade croutons:

• 2 cups sourdough bread, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and oregano (a generous pinch of each)

---

Instructions

Make the Croutons

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Toss the sourdough cubes in avocado oil, salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic powder. Spread out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
3. Bake for 15–20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until golden and crisp. Let cool completely.

Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, cooled pasta, and cooked chicken.
2. Add in the low-fat Caesar dressing and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
3. Fold in the homemade croutons just before serving to keep them crisp.
4. Finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese and a few cracks of black pepper.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is the perfect marriage of convenience and comfort. It checks all the boxes for a satisfying meal: protein-packed chicken, fiber from fresh romaine, whole carbs from pasta, and crunchy homemade croutons that take it to the next level.

Whether you’re looking for easy nutritious recipes to meal prep for the week or a refreshing yet filling salad for your next potluck, this one fits the bill. You can serve it chilled or at room temp—great for warm nights, picnics, or an effortless summer dinner recipe.

---

Quick Tips

• Make it ahead: Toss everything except the croutons and cheese, then store in the fridge. Add toppings right before serving.
• Use rotisserie chicken to save time on prep.
• Swap the dressing: Try a Greek yogurt-based Caesar if you want a creamier, high-protein version.

---

This is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’ve got it all together—even when you’re short on time. Add it to your easy weeknight recipes collection and thank yourself later.