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Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Cups

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Cups - featured image
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A quick and easy handheld pasta salad combining creamy Caesar dressing, tender chicken, and crisp Romaine lettuce, perfect for busy days or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or farfalle pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
  • 2 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped
  • ½ cup shaved or grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 garlic clove, minced (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Croutons or toasted bread crumbs (for crunch)
  • Extra Parmesan for sprinkling
  • Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain and rinse pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, 2 cups cooked chicken, 2 cups chopped Romaine lettuce, ½ cup Parmesan, and optional cherry tomatoes.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Spoon the salad into individual serving cups or small mason jars, filling about three-quarters full.
  7. Top each cup with croutons or toasted bread crumbs and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
  8. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving. Keep croutons separate until just before serving to maintain crispness.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken to save time. Rinse pasta with cold water to prevent sogginess. Toss salad gently to avoid bruising lettuce. Keep croutons separate until serving to maintain crunch. Freshly grated Parmesan is best but pre-grated works in a pinch. Can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with substitutions.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken pasta salad, Caesar salad, quick meals, easy recipe, pasta salad cups, rotini pasta, farfalle pasta, healthy lunch, handheld salad

Find it online: https://islatable.com/easy-chicken-caesar-pasta-salad-cups-recipe-for-quick-meals/