Before diving into the main event, let’s talk about some fantastic pairings for this delightful dish. This Kroger Grilled Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad shines brightly on its own but gets even better with complementary sides or drinks. Garlic Bread, White Wine, Roasted Veggies, or Fruit Salads.
Today, I’m over the moon to share one of my favorite recipes that’s as satisfying as it is simple: Kroger Grilled Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Trust me, it’s going to be your go-to for picnics, barbecues, or even a quick weeknight dinner. Think of this as your classic Caesar salad elevated to a whole new level with the addition of tender grilled chicken and chewy, delightful pasta. But what truly makes this recipe stand out? Well, that’s what we’re digging into.
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What is Kroger Grilled Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad?
To start, let’s lay the groundwork. Essentially, this dish is a delightful concoction of Caesar salad and pasta. It combines rotini or penne pasta, grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, and a rich, luscious Caesar dressing. Throw in some shaved Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, and you’ve got a meal that’s simple yet sophisticated.
What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
Now, onto the flavor profile. Imagine biting into tender seasoned chicken with smoky notes from the grill. Each forkful introduces a symphony of tastes—from buttery croutons to creamy, tangy Caesar dressing. The sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of sweetness while the Parmesan provides a salty finish. It’s balanced, layered, and utterly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This
Before diving into the nitty-gritty, let me tell you why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
- It’s easy to make but tastes like a gourmet meal.
- Perfectly portable for picnics and potlucks.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser and kid-friendly.
- You can make it ahead of time.
- Extremely versatile and allows for various tweaks.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound short pasta (rotini or penne)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup Caesar dressing, divided
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 ounces ciabatta or baguette, broken into small chunks
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally
- 12 ounces chopped romaine hearts
- 3/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and toss it with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with half the sea salt and ground black pepper. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove and let it rest for a few minutes, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Make the Croutons
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, toss the ciabatta chunks with melted butter, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad Base
In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta, chopped romaine hearts, and half of the Caesar dressing. Mix well.
Step 5: Add Chicken and Extras
Add the chopped grilled chicken, shaved Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta mixture. Pour in the remaining Caesar dressing and toss everything until perfectly combined.
Tips & Tricks
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh romaine lettuce and Parmesan cheese make a world of difference.
- Season Generously: Proper seasoning is crucial for the chicken. Don’t skimp on salt and pepper.
- Let Chicken Rest: Always let grilled chicken rest before chopping to keep it juicy.
- Custom Croutons: For different flavors, you can season the croutons with herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Make Ahead: Prepare all components and mix them just before serving for the freshest taste.
Nutrition Information
How Can You Store This Kroger Grilled Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad?
Storing this dish is straightforward. You can keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If making ahead, store the ingredients separately and mix them just before serving to maintain freshness.
Alternative Choices for Ingredients
If some items aren’t in your pantry, here are some suitable alternatives:
- Pasta: Instead of rotini, you can use fusilli or penne.
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works if you’re short on time.
- Croutons: Store-bought croutons can be a quick and easy replacement.
Kroger Grilled Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
Equipment
- bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound short pasta such as rotini or penne
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic finely minced
- 1 cup Caesar dressing divided
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt divided
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 ounces ciabatta or baguette broken into small chunks
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally
- 12 ounces chopped romaine hearts
- 3/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and toss it with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with half the sea salt and ground black pepper. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove and let it rest for a few minutes, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Make the Croutons
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, toss the ciabatta chunks with melted butter, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad Base
- In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta, chopped romaine hearts, and half of the Caesar dressing. Mix well.
Step 5: Add Chicken and Extras
- Add the chopped grilled chicken, shaved Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes to the pasta mixture. Pour in the remaining Caesar dressing and toss everything until perfectly combined.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh romaine lettuce and Parmesan cheese make a world of difference.
- Season Generously: Proper seasoning is crucial for the chicken. Don’t skimp on salt and pepper.
- Let Chicken Rest: Always let grilled chicken rest before chopping to keep it juicy.
- Custom Croutons: For different flavors, you can season the croutons with herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Make Ahead: Prepare all components and mix them just before serving for the freshest taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, replace chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for protein.
2. What Can I Use Instead of Caesar Dressing?
Use a mix of Greek yogurt, lemon juice, anchovy paste, garlic, and Parmesan for a homemade version.
3. Can I Serve This Dish Warm?
This salad is best served cold, but you can slightly warm it if you prefer.
4. How Do I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Simply use gluten-free pasta and croutons.
5. Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers are great additions.
Conclusion
And there you have it, folks! This Kroger Grilled Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is not just a feast for the palate but also a versatile dish that can adapt to any occasion. With its delightful flavors and ease of preparation, it’s a recipe that you’ll find yourself coming back to time and again. Ready to give it a whirl? Let me know how it turns out and what tweaks you made. I’d love to hear from you!
Real talk: food should be fun, simple, and most importantly, delicious. And with this recipe, you’re on the right track. So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking.
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My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more