Inspired by the classic Caesar Salad, this pasta salad is made with seasoned pan-seared or grilled chicken, homemade Caesar dressing, some romaine lettuce, green bell pepper, and crunchy croutons!
Cook pasta according to the box instructions, drain, and set aside to cool completely.
You will want chicken and pasta to be no warmer than room temperature when mixing the salad.
Chicken:
Cut chicken in half, widthwise, if the chicken breasts are very thick.
Season chicken filets with salt, pepper, herbs, and garlic powder on both sides.
Preheat a cooking pan over medium heat, add some oil. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, until completely cooked through. (Exact time will depend on the thickness of each chicken breast.)
Cool chicken to room temperature and cut into cubes.
Caesar Dressing:
Combine all ingredients except the olive oil in the food processor.
Start to pulse the ingredients and slowly drizzle in olive oil through the opening at the top. When it's all smooth, turn off the food processor and scrape sides and bottom of the bowl if needed.
Pasta Salad:
Combine cooked and cooled pasta, cooked chicken, diced bell pepper, chopped Romaine lettuce, croutons, shaved Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing together in a large bowl. Carefully mix until it's all evenly coated in dressing.