Cheddar’s Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
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Cheddar’s Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is the ultimate combo of crispy romaine, juicy chicken, big crunchy croutons and a dreamy Caesar dressing that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. With pasta and Parmesan, this salad is basically a party in a bowl—no reservations needed!
🔍 COPYCAT SECRETS UNCOVERED!
If you’re eating out and you love a dish – ASK THE SERVER! I wanted to know about the Caesar dressing on this dish and just asked! Found out it is Marzetti’s! Secret Uncovered!
Also the savings on this dish is big! You’ll save over $8 per serving by making this at home! (Based on $12.99 menu price.) Definitely worth the minimal effort to make it yourself!
Make it Quicker & Easier
- Rotisserie chicken – This is a simple way to make this dish a little easier! Just slice chicken off when you get it!
- Salad Dressing – I went the easy route by using a bottled dressing – especially because it’s the one they use at Cheddar’s – so the flavor will be on-point!
- Pre-Cut Lettuce – Most stores sell romaine that is pre-chopped. I just like to buy the head because it’s cheaper.
How to make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
This makes a really big chicken caesar salad for two people or a more moderate salad for four. If serving four (as a side dish), you might want to double the chicken.
- Prep Pasta & Chicken – Boil penne pasta to al dente. Season and air fry your chicken breasts.
- Cheddar’s uses Lemon Pepper – but you can use whatever seasonings you prefer. I used my Lemon Pepper and added garlic.
- Cheddar’s uses penne pasta but you could also use rigatoni, rotini noodles or bowtie pasta as well.
- Prep Salad – Chop Romaine and gather shaved Parmesan, dressing and croutons.
- This is a very simple Caesar salad but feel free to add chopped red onion and cherry tomatoes if you’d like more veggies in there!
- Cool Pasta – Drain and cool pasta by rinsing with cold water for 2 minutes.
- Toss Salad – In a large bowl, mix together romaine, 1/4 cup Parmesan, salad dressing and cooled pasta. Toss until coated.
- Serve – Split salad between 2-4 bowls and top with sliced chicken breast.
Store leftovers in an airtight container (I like these glass ones) in the refrigerator for up to a week. Admittedly – when you dress a salad (aka toss it in dressing) – it’s not going to last as long. I would suggest just adding dressing for salads you’re serving at the moment. Store remaining undressed salad separate from dressing. Dressed salad is good for 1-2 days max.
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More Restaurant Salad Recipes
Cold Pasta Dishes
Cheddar’s Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb penne pasta
- 2 6 oz chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 head romaine lettuce large
- 1/2 cup Marzetti Supreme Caesar Dressing
- 1/2 cup large croutons
- 1/4 cup shaved parmesan cheese + 2 tbsp
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring water and salt to a boil. Add penne and cook to al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water and set aside.
- Season chicken breasts with lemon pepper seasoning on both sides and air fry at 370º for 10-12 min depending on the size of your chicken breast – flipping halfway through. If chicken is large – butterfly for even thickness. Check internal temperature with an instant read meat thermometer. Temp should be 155º and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Roughly chop romaine lettuce and add to a large bowl. Add cooked and cooled pasta.
- Add Caesar Dressing and 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan to large bowl and toss until lettuce is completely coated.
- Split salad between two large salad bowls and top with croutons.
- Slice chicken and lay on top of salad with remaining Parmesan cheese and serve.
Notes
- Total: $8.54 for 2
- Per Serving: $4.27
- Restaurant Cost $12.99 per person
- Savings: $8.72
