Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta salad is fun twist on the classic! Fresh romaine tossed with chicken, cherry tomatoes, shredded parmesan cheese, croutons and a vegetable pasta adds a fun new texture!

Light and tasty, this Salad makes a great spring or summer meal. Pair it with Breadsticks, Salad and top it off with Tiramisu!

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Caesar salad is one of my all time favorite salads. It is such a simple combination of salad, croutons, parmesan cheese and a spectacular dressing. Being able to turn my favorite salad into a meal my whole family loves is just golden. The noodles give it a bit more depth and helps to fill you up. Adding tender, juicy, seasoned chicken adds flavor and nutrient dense protein. I love the addition the fresh tomatoes make. It gives the chicken caesar salad a bit of brightness. Your whole family is going to love this salad turned main dish!

You may not think that adding pasta and lettuce together works, but it totally does. They work together to create a fabulous texture you are going to love. You can try it out in my Kale Pasta Salad or BLT Avocado Salad too. This is a perfect dish for a summer picnic or potluck. Or serve at a brunch or special lunch. How ever you serve it, you are going to love it.

Ingredients for Caesar Pasta Salad

Save time and use rotisserie chicken from the store, it can be a total busy night life saver.

• Lettuce: Use romaine lettuce for good nutrition and crunch.
• Rotini Pasta: The swirly pasta is perfect to hold onto the dressing.
• Chicken: Cooked and diced chicken in bite sized pieces.
• Cherry Tomatoes: You can use grape tomatoes too.
• Parmesan: I love using large shaved parmesan.
• Caesar Dressing: Use homemade Caesar dressing for the best flavor. You can also use store bought if you need to.
• Croutons: You can make your own, try it, it is easy and absolutely yummy!

Making Caesar Pasta Salad with Chicken

This comes together in a snap. You can have a wonderful light delicious meal on the table in no time.

1. Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water. Set aside.
2. Combine: In a large bowl, add Romaine lettuce, pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, shredded parmesan, Caesar dressing and croutons. Toss until all ingredients are coated well in the dressing.
3. Serve: Best if served immediately.

Tips For The Best Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Such a simple recipe that makes a wonderful dish.

• Chicken: For an easy way to make this use rotisserie chicken. You can also pan cook your chicken, but make sure you season it really well. Use Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Air fried chicken is an absolutely divine way to cook your chicken. It’s super juicy inside and a bit crispy on the outside.
• Cheese: I love the big shavings of parmesan, use a potato peeler to get nice shavings. It will give loads of flavor.
• Keep it Chilled: Keep everything chilled so that the lettuce does not wilt. If you are making it ahead of time, wait till you are about to serve it to add in the lettuce.
• Lettuce: Romaine is a great stout flavorful lettuce. Do not use super leafy lettuce. It will wilt quickly and not be able to hold up to the chicken and noodles.

Variations Of Caesar Pasta Salad

The basic thing you want to keep consistent is the dressing and lettuce. Everything else you can customize the way you want to.

• Noodles: I love the rotini noodles in this Caesar salad but you can use others. Shell pasta, bowtie, cavatappi, and fusilli.
• Chicken: You can leave out the chicken all together or swap it out for salmon, steak or shrimp.
• Cheese: Parmesan is the star but you can sub out for Asiago, Pecorino, or Parmigiano-Reggiano.
• Add Ins: You can add in a few extras like bacon crumbles, use half lettuce and half spinach, and you can add a splash of lemon.

Storing Your Caesar Salad

This salad is best served immediately after combining it all together to avoid the lettuce from wilting. This will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, however, the lettuce will wilt. It will still taste amazing but it will not look nice. It will look the best for the first 24 hours.

More Pasta Salads To Love

Pasta salads are wonderful for so many occasions. They are hearty and hold flavors perfectly. Take pasta salads to picnics, potlucks, and big family dinners. Pasta goes a long way to feeding lots of people. It is filling and delicious. You can pair so many flavors with pasta which makes it very customizable.

Salads

Greek Broccoli Pasta Salad

Pasta

Orzo Pasta Salad

Side Dishes

Tuscan Pasta Salad

Side Dishes

Mexican Pasta Salad

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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A healthier way to make the classic caesar salad! Fresh romaine tossed with chicken, cherry tomatoes, shredded parmesan cheese, croutons and a vegetable pasta adds a fun new texture!

Course Salad

Cuisine Italian American

Keyword chicken caesar pasta salad, chicken pasta salad, pasta salad recipes

Prep Time 20 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Servings 8 Servings

Calories 477kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

• 3 cups Romaine Lettuce Chopped
• 1 package Rotini Pasta 12 oz
• 2 cups chicken cooked and chopped
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup Shredded Parmesan
• 1 cup homemade caesar dressing LINK
• 1 cup croutons

Instructions

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, add Romaine lettuce, pasta, chicken, cherry tomatoes, shredded parmesan, caesar dressing and croutons. Toss until all ingredients are coated well in the dressing. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

Notes

Updated on April 16, 2021

Originally Posted on January 9, 2015

Nutrition

Calories: 477kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 592mg | Potassium: 309mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 437IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 175mg | Iron: 2mg

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Grilled Asparagus Recipe

Fresh Asparagus that is grilled gives you char marks and a smoky flavor that is amazing! Within minutes you have tender asparagus coated in parmesan and garlic that will become a family favorite!

My favorite part about grilling is cooking vegetables on the grill. Bacon Wrapped, Asparagus Fries or Roasted are some of my favorite Asparagus recipes.

Grilled Asparagus

I absolutely love grilled asparagus. The smoky flavor and charred edges are the best part! This asparagus recipe was one of the first recipes on the blog. We make it almost every single time that we grill. It is quick and easy and cooks within minutes along side of your meat on the grill.

I have made this recipe countless times since posting it almost 3 years ago! But the pictures definitely needed an update. I think it is safe to say I have gotten better with my photography over the years and its fun to see how far I have come!

How to Grill Asparagus

I know that you guys will love this recipe! It is the perfect way to get in your veggies while you are grilling and the topping is so good that kids will love it as well. And the parmesan garlic topping. This is a five star recipe!

• Asparagus: Prepare asparagus and trim the bottoms. Lay the asparagus in the pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss in the olive oil.
• Grill: Lay the asparagus on the grill in a row. Grill for 5-10 minutes over medium high heat until they have char marks and are fork tender. Remove asparagus and place back in the pan. Toss with garlic and parmesan cheese. Serve.
• Use Foil! *You can also grill the asparagus in foil if desired.

Do You Wash Asparagus Before Cooking?

Rinse the spears under cool water to remove any grit. Snap off the bottom inch or so using your fingers; the stems will naturally break where the tough woody part ends and the tender stem begins. Dry the spears by rolling them between two kitchen towels.

How do you Know When Asparagus Goes Bad?

It is the tips of asparagus they will begin to go bad first, which is also the most desirable part of the asparagus. The best way to tell if your asparagus is going bad is to look at the tips, they will begin to turn a very dark green (almost black) and when you touch them they will just mush between your fingers.

Should I Cut or Snap Asparagus?

The conventional wisdom is that this natural snap-off point is where the unpalatable toughness ends, and the tender asparagus begins. This is one snap decision that’s dead wrong. … Of course, cutting and peeling individual asparagus spears takes time. But in this case, time really is money.

Can you Grill Asparagus in Foil?

Yes! Place packet on grill over low heat. Cover grill; cook 10 to 15 minutes, rotating packet ½ turn after 4 minutes, until asparagus is tender. To serve, cut large X across top of packet; carefully fold back foil to allow steam to escape.

How do you Make Asparagus Crispy on the Grill?

To make asparagus crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, grill over a high heat, directly on grill grates. Direct heat will crisp up the asparagus on the outside.

Can you Cook Asparagus in the Oven?

Yes! While I typically make this asparagus on the grill, there are times when it’s cold out or I just don’t feel like firing up the grill. These asparagus foil packets can also be baked in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes.

Delicious Recipes That Will go Well with Asparagus

• Garlic Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon (The Best Salmon Ever!)
• Citrus and Herb Chicken
• Grilled Honey Lime Salmon
• Grilled honey Balsamic Chicken
• Creamy Parmesan Pork Chops

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Grilled Parmesan Garlic Asparagus

Fresh Asparagus that is grilled gives you char marks and a smoky flavor that is amazing! Within minutes you have tender asparagus coated in parmesan and garlic that will become a family favorite!

Course Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword asparagus, grilled asparagus

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Servings 4 people

Calories 80kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh asparagus
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 3 Tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 2 Garlic Cloves minced
• salt and pepper

Instructions

• Prepare asparagus and trim the bottoms.
  
• Lay the asparagus in the pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss in the olive oil.
• Lay the asparagus on the grill or grill plate in a row. Grill for 5-10 minutes over medium high heat until they have char marks and are fork tender. Remove asparagus and place back in the pan. Toss with garlic and parmesan cheese. Serve.
  
• *You can also grill the asparagus in foil if desired.

Notes

Updated on April 13, 2021

Originally Posted on June 18, 2019

Nutrition

Serving: -1g | Calories: 80kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 58mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 35IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 44mg

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Air Fryer “Roasted” Cauliflower

Air Fryer “Roasted” Cauliflower is perfectly tender, crisp and full of amazing flavor. You are going to love how easy it is to make this delicious side dish!

Air Fryer vegetables are the best, they get roasted to the perfect texture both inside and outside. These tried and true recipes will prove it to you, from Potatoes, to Broccoli and Brussel Sprouts.

Air Fryer Cauliflower

I love my Air Fryer, it is changing the way I make food and especially my vegetables. The air fryer gets them perfectly crispy on the outside and then soft and tender on the inside, without getting them mushy. My family loves vegetables cooked in the air fryer and this roasted cauliflower is no different. And if I can get my kids to eat more vegetables, then that is a win in my book! This is going to be a the perfect side dish for any meal.

The air fryer uses circulating air to “fry” the cauliflower. It is essentially a countertop convection oven. Using the air fryer to help make your meals, frees up the oven, doesn’t heat up the kitchen and is usually a faster and healthier way to cook. The marinade in this cauliflower recipe is incredible. It really packs a punch, which is important when cooking with cauliflower. On its own it doesn’t have much flavor, so you need to add it, and this has it. You have to try this scrumptious recipe!

Ingredients for The Best Cauliflower

This air fryer cauliflower is going to come together in a snap, you are going to love how easy this recipe is.

• Cauliflower: Wash and cut your cauliflower into bite sized pieces.
• Olive Oil: You want oil to coat the cauliflower, this will help it crisp up.
• Parmesan Cheese: For best results use grated parmesan.
• Paprika: This will give the cauliflower some color and flavor.
• Garlic Powder: You will love how using a powder gives you flavor without the chunks of garlic. It’s delicious.
• Crushed Red Pepper: This is optional, you can add as little or as much as you want
• Salt and Pepper: Add to taste

How to Make Roasted Cauliflower in the Air Fryer

This could not be any easier or faster. You are going to love eating the results.

• Chop: Cut the cauliflower into small pieces.
• Sauce: IN a small bowl whisk together olive oil, parmesan, paprika, garlic, crushed red pepper and salt and pepper.
• Mix:  Toss the cauliflower the mixture till it’s evenly coated. Be gentle.
• Cook: Place in air fryer basket at 390 degrees for 13-15 minutes or until crispy.

Tips For Easy Air Fryer Cauliflower

Getting the cauliflower just right is easy, you might have to double the batch, however, because these will go fast.

• Air Frying:  Check your cauliflower half way thru, you might need to shake the basket to help turn the cauliflower.  Check again at the minimum time to see if they are done or need additional time. Every air fryer is a bit different so yours may need more or less time.
• Don’t Overcrowd: If you have to cook it in batches, do it. You do not want to over crowd the cauliflower or it will steam instead of crisp up.
• Same Size:  Try to keep the cauliflower the same size a you cut it for better even roasting.
• Don’t have an air fryer? You can roast cauliflower in the oven at 400 for 20 minutes.

Variations for Your Cauliflower

This air fryer cauliflower recipe is super customizable, make it with the seasonings and the toppings you love.

• Mexican: Use cumin, chili powder, garlic, taco or fajita seasonings for a spicy flare.
• Ranch: Cover the cauliflower in ranch seasoning and then serve with cheddar cheese and bacon crumbles.
• Buffalo: After you cook the cauliflower toss in some homemade buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles.
• Italian: Toss with olive oil and Italian seasoning and garlic, topped with parmesan cheese for a delicious twist.
• Sauce Dipping:  Keep the cauliflower pretty neutral in seasoning then serve with your favorite sauce, Yum Yum Sauce, Ranch Dressing, or even Pesto. 

Storing Air Fryer Cauliflower

The key to having great air fryer cauliflower leftovers is warming them up correctly.

• Store: Keep cauliflower in the fridge tightly covered for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: If you reheat these in the microwave they will lose their crispy outside. Reheat in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes or till crunchy and warm or reheat on the stove top for best results.

More Air Fryer Recipes to Try

Air fryers usually cook your food faster and it almost always tastes better. You can cook amazing side dishes, main dishes and even desserts without heating up the oven. That is going to be huge as summer approaches. Enjoy these tried and true recipes in your air fryer today!

• Perfect Air Fryer Steak With Garlic Herb Butter
• Seriously Amazing Air Fryer Hand Pies
• Perfect 10 Minute Shrimp
• Easy Air Fryer French Toast Sticks
• Homemade Air Fryer French Fries

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Air Fryer "Roasted" Cauliflower

Air Fryer "Roasted" Cauliflower is perfectly tender, crisp and full of amazing flavor. You are going to love how easy it is to make this delicious side dish!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword air fryer cauliflower, air fryer roasted cauliflower

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Servings 6 People

Calories 137kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

• 1 pound cauliflower
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 Tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper optional
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Start by cutting the cauliflower into small pieces.
• In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, parmesan, paprika, garlic, crushed red pepper and salt and pepper.
  
• Toss the cauliflower with the mixture to coat.
  
• Place in air fryer basket at 390 degrees for 13-15 minutes or until crispy.
  

Nutrition

Calories: 137kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 63mg | Potassium: 238mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 128IU | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 1mg

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Belgian Waffles

Perfect Belgian Waffles that are crisp on the outside and light and fluffy in the middle. This tried and true recipe is our family’s favorite!

Waffles make a fabulous breakfast on their own for sure. But add it to Eggs, Bacon or the Best Breakfast Casserole for an amazing breakfast or brunch.

Authentic Belgian Waffles Recipe

I’ve tried many other homemade waffle recipes over the years—ones I’ve made myself, or eaten at friends’ houses, and I’ve never found a recipe that compares to this one! I’ve made them a thousand times, and I love that they’re now a favorite with my own family.

The trick to making light and fluffy waffles is in separating the egg yolks and whites. The egg whites get beaten separately, till they form stiff peaks. You will then fold into the batter at the end. This creates the fabulous crispy outside and super cloud like inside.  The deep pockets are all ready and waiting to hold your favorite toppings.

What Is The Difference Between a Regular Waffle and a Belgian Waffle?

Belgian waffles are thicker and often larger than regular waffles because they are made with a waffle iron that has deeper grids. These deep pockets are perfect for holding delicious pools of syrup! The Belgian waffle batter is also made a little differently than regular waffles, often with a leavening agent or egg whites (as used in this recipe) to make the batter light and fluffy. Different Belgian waffle pans cook square, rectangular, or round waffles. Whatever the shape you will fine these absolutely luscious.

Ingredients For the Best Belgian Waffles Ever!

Basic ingredients that you can find in your pantry probably right now! So let’s get going

• Flour: All purpose or unbleached flour both will work.
• Baking Powder: This is the leavening agent that will help them give a rise.
• Salt: You need the salt to add flavor.
• Eggs: You will be separating the egg whites from the yolks.
• Milk: Adds the moisture and a bit of flavor.
• Oil: You need oil for waffles to create a nice crisp crust and moisture inside.

How to Make Belgian Waffles from Scratch

Making the waffles is simple and with the extra step of separating the eggs will make all the difference.

• Dry Ingredients: Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt together in small bowl.
• Eggs: Separate the eggs, dividing the whites and yolks into two different large mixing bowls. Be careful not to get any yellow egg yolk in with the egg whites or they wont beat properly.
• Wet Ingredients: Add milk and oil to the bowl with the egg yolks and mix to combine.
• Egg Whites: Use a hand mixer to beat the egg whites on high speed until they form stiff peaks.
• Combine: Add the dry ingredients to the bowl with the egg and milk mixture and stir well to combine.
• Fold: Gently fold the egg whites into the batter.
• Cook: Use a measuring cup to pour the batter onto your hot waffle iron.

Tips For Fluffy Belgian Waffles

These are simply scrumptious because they are so fluffy and crispy all at the same time.

• Egg Separating: This is a crucial step, you do not want your yolks getting into your whites, they can affect the way the whites whip up. Cold eggs separate easier but then let them sit till room temperature because they will mix in the batter better.
• Mixing the Eggs: When folding in the egg whites, do so very gently. Do not over-mix. It is ok if they are not mixed perfectly and has a few lumps. They will cook out.
• Milk: For more flavor and tang substitute the milk for buttermilk, It’s delicious.
• Crispier: If you want even more crispiness add a half a cup of cornstarch. You may have to add a bit more milk if it isn’t thin enough.

Top Your Waffles!

The best part of eating the Belgian waffles is filling up those holes with amazing toppings.

• Syrup: The holes are perfect for holding Homemade Maple Syrup, Buttermilk Syrup, Cinnamon Syrup, Caramel Syrup, and even Roasted Strawberry Syrup.
• Fruit: Bananas, berries, peaches, pineapple with coconut shavings.
• Spreads: Peanut butter, Nutella, Almond butter, Cinnamon Honey Butter, and Apple Butter.
• Sweet Stuff: Powdered sugar, and of course whip cream.

How to Freeze and Reheat Homemade Waffles

Allow waffles to cool completely, and then store them in a freezer-safe ziplock bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in the microwave for 15 seconds, and then add to the toaster for 1-2 minutes, until crisp.

More Breakfast Recipes To Enjoy

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, or so they say.  I just know it is one of my most favorite meals to eat! There are so many yummy flavors, textures and combinations to eat. Whether you get up early or sleep in, these tried and true recipes will be sure to get you out of bed in the morning.

• Quick 45 Minute Cinnamon Rolls
• The Best Ever German Oven Pancake
• Raspberry Peach Smoothie
• The Best Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes
• Crème Brûlée French Toast

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Belgian Waffles

Perfect Belgian Waffles that are crisp on the outside and light and fluffy in the middle. This tried and true recipe is our family’s favorite!

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American, Greek

Keyword belgian waffles

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Servings 6 waffles

Calories 364kcal

Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs separated
• 1 3/4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup oil

Instructions

• Preheat your waffle maker.
• In a bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Separate the egg yolks and whites into two different mixing bowls.
• Add the milk and oil to the bowl with the yolks and mix well to combine. Add the dry ingredients and stir, just until incorporated.
• Beat the egg whites with a mixer until stiff peaks form. Add the egg whites to the batter and then use a spatula to gently fold (don’t “stir” them into the batter. Be careful not to over-mix.
• Use a measuring spoon to scoop the batter into a hot, nonstick (or spray lightly with cooking spray if needed) waffle iron. Cook until golden.

Video

Notes

Updated on April 12, 2021

Originally Posted on August 5, 2018

Nutrition

Calories: 364kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 248mg | Potassium: 355mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 195IU | Calcium: 181mg | Iron: 2.1mg

 

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