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Caesar Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken

Caesar Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken for Summer Cravings

A refreshing Caesar Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken, perfect for summer cravings! Quick to prepare and crowd-pleasing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 6 to 8 pieces Chicken Breasts Choose even thickness for marination and cooking; around 1 inch works best.
  • 1 bottle Zesty Italian Dressing This is your flavor-packed marinade.
  • 1 can Sprite or Lemon-Lime Soda Adds tenderness and a refreshing sweetness.
For the Salad
  • 2 kits Caesar Salad Bagged Salad Kits Opt for a larger kit if you’re serving a crowd.
  • 1 box Rotini Pasta Barilla Veggie Rotini is suggested for an extra burst of flavor.
  • 1 cup Fresh Grated Parmesan Adds creamy richness to the salad.
  • 1 to 2 cups Prepared Caesar Dressing Use to coat the salad as desired.
  • 1 package Caesar Salad Croutons Provides a crunchy topping.

Equipment

  • Grill
  • large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Zip-top Bag

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a zip-top bag, combine the Sprite and zesty Italian dressing to create a flavorful marinade. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated, then seal the bag tightly. Refrigerate overnight or for at least a few hours.
  2. Remove the chicken from the bag and let the excess marinade drip off. Allow the chicken to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes for even cooking.
  3. Preheat the grill to 400°F (200°C). Grill the chicken breasts for approximately 7-9 minutes per side. Baste with fresh Italian dressing in the last few minutes.
  4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the rotini pasta, and cook according to package instructions (around 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
  5. In a large bowl, combine the greens from the Caesar salad kits with the cooled rotini pasta. Mix in the prepared Caesar dressing.
  6. Slice the grilled chicken and place it atop the salad. Sprinkle fresh grated Parmesan and add croutons.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For the best flavor, consume the salad promptly. Options for chicken include grilled shrimp or fresh vegetables for customization.

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