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Easy Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Jars Recipe for Perfect Lunch

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A fresh, creamy, and crunchy chicken Caesar pasta salad layered in jars for a portable, no-fuss meal perfect for lunch on the go.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) rotini or penne pasta, cooked al dente
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works well)
  • 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup croutons, store-bought or homemade
  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • ½ teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225g) of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool pasta. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together ¾ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp freshly grated Parmesan, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 minced garlic clove, and ½ tsp anchovy paste (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a splash of water or lemon juice if dressing is too thick.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, 2 cups cooked chicken, and 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce. Add about ¾ of the dressing and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  4. Layer the lunch jars by spooning a couple of tablespoons of the pasta and chicken mixture into the bottom of each 16 oz jar. Add a layer of the remaining romaine lettuce on top. Sprinkle a tablespoon of shredded Parmesan cheese, then a handful of croutons. Seal jars tightly with lids.
  5. Refrigerate the jars for up to 3 days. Before eating, shake the jar gently or pour contents into a bowl to mix and enjoy.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse pasta with cold water to prevent sticking. Keep dressing separate until assembling jars if prepping ahead. Add croutons just before serving for maximum crunch. Layer lettuce on top to keep it crisp. Use cooked chicken at room temperature to avoid wilting greens.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken Caesar salad, pasta salad, lunch jars, portable lunch, creamy dressing, easy recipe, meal prep

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/easy-creamy-chicken-caesar-pasta-salad-jars-recipe-for-perfect-lunch/