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Easy Grilled Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad for Meal Prep

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This easy grilled chicken Caesar pasta salad is a meal prep workhorse that actually tastes better on day three than day one. With smoky grilled chicken, tangy Caesar dressing, and crunchy romaine, it’s the perfect make-ahead lunch for busy weeks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 8 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Rub mixture all over chicken. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes while preheating grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
  2. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest on a cutting board for at least 5 minutes before slicing against the grain into bite-sized strips.
  3. While chicken grills, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini according to package directions until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain in a colander; do not rinse. Let cool slightly.
  4. In a small bowl or mason jar, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, anchovy paste, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Whisk until smooth, then slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking constantly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm pasta, sliced chicken, and half the grated Parmesan. Pour about three-quarters of the dressing over the top and toss gently until evenly coated.
  6. Divide dressed pasta and chicken mixture evenly among four meal prep containers. Top each with a generous handful of chopped romaine; do not mix in. Layer remaining Parmesan and croutons on top of romaine. Reserve remaining dressing for adding later if needed.
  7. When ready to eat, stir everything together and add a splash of reserved dressing if desired.

Notes

For best results, keep croutons separate until serving to maintain crunch. The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Do not freeze. For a vegetarian version, substitute grilled halloumi or crispy roasted chickpeas.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken Caesar pasta salad, meal prep, easy lunch, pasta salad, Caesar salad, make-ahead

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