Caesar Pesto Pasta Salad
A delightful and vibrant dish combining classic Caesar dressing with fresh pesto, perfect for warm summer days or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Base Ingredients
- 1 lb Rotini Pasta Provides the perfect texture to hold onto the creamy dressing.
- 2 cup Grilled Chicken Tender and juicy, cubed for easy mixing.
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved for a burst of sweetness and color.
Dressings and Toppings
- 1.5 cup Caesar Dressing Use high-quality for the best flavor.
- 0.5 cup Pesto Fresh basil pesto adds vibrant flavor.
- 0.5 cup Black Olives Sliced, for savory contrast.
- 0.25 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated for a touch of nutty richness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions (8-10 minutes) until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and herbs. Grill until cooked (6-8 minutes per side) then let rest and cube.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, cubed chicken, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Add Caesar dressing and pesto, tossing gently to coat.
- Sprinkle in sliced black olives and grated Parmesan, tossing lightly again.
- Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes before serving to meld the flavors.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
For best results, let the salad sit to enhance flavor. Variations include using whole grain pasta or grilled shrimp.