Ingredients:
8 ounces penne or rotini pasta
2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup red onion, chopped
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups grilled chicken breast, chopped (leftover grilled chicken works great)
Caesar dressing (homemade or store-bought)
Croutons (optional)
Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Boil the penne or rotini pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and let it cool completely before assembling the salad.
Mix the Salad Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with chopped romaine, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and grated Parmesan.
Add the Chicken:
Stir in the chopped grilled chicken breast. This is a great opportunity to use up leftovers.
Dress It Up:
Pour in your preferred amount of Caesar dressing and toss the salad until everything is evenly coated.
Optional Crunch:
Add croutons if desired for added texture. Skip them for a lower-carb option.
Season and Serve:
Finish with a few twists of fresh ground black pepper. Serve immediately or chill for later—this salad holds up well and is great as leftovers.