Grilled Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Jars Recipe
Introduction
This Grilled Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad in a jar is a fresh, portable meal perfect for busy days and outdoor picnics. Combining tender grilled chicken, crisp romaine, and creamy Caesar dressing with pasta, it’s a satisfying twist on a classic salad.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Caesar dressing
- ½ cup cooked pasta
- Sliced grilled chicken
- 1 tablespoon shredded Parmesan
- ¼ cup crispy chickpeas
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
Instructions
- Step 1: Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Grill over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Let rest, then slice into strips.
- Step 2: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water, then set aside.
- Step 3: In each mason jar, layer ingredients from bottom to top: 2 tablespoons Caesar dressing, ½ cup cooked pasta, sliced grilled chicken, 1 tablespoon shredded Parmesan, ¼ cup crispy chickpeas, and 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce.
- Step 4: Seal the jars with lids and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 days. Shake before eating or pour into a bowl to serve.
Tips & Variations
- Add halved cherry tomatoes or sliced cucumber for extra freshness and color.
- Swap the grilled chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu to enjoy a seafood or vegetarian version.
- Use whole-wheat or chickpea pasta to boost protein and fiber content.
Storage
Store the salad jars in the refrigerator with lids tightly closed for up to 3 days. Shake well before eating or pour into a bowl. Reheating is not recommended as the salad is best served chilled and fresh.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked or store-bought grilled chicken?
Yes, using pre-cooked or store-bought grilled chicken is a convenient alternative and works perfectly for this recipe.
What type of pasta works best for this salad?
Small shapes like rotini, penne, or shells hold the dressing well and mix easily with other ingredients, but feel free to use your favorite type.
PrintGrilled Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Jars Recipe
This Grilled Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Jars recipe combines the classic flavors of Caesar salad with grilled chicken and pasta, all neatly layered in mason jars for a convenient, portable meal. Perfect for meal prep or a refreshing lunch, these salads are easy to assemble, packed with protein, and come with a crunchy twist of crispy chickpeas for added texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 jars (servings) 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Salad Dressing
- 2 tablespoons Caesar dressing
Main Salad
- 1/2 cup cooked pasta
- Sliced grilled chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup crispy chickpeas
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
Chicken Seasoning
- Olive oil (for brushing)
- Garlic powder (to taste)
- Oregano (to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Grill the Chicken: Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Grill over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil your choice of pasta in salted water until al dente, typically 8 to 10 minutes depending on the pasta type. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
- Layer the Jars: In each mason jar, carefully layer the ingredients starting with 2 tablespoons of Caesar dressing at the bottom. Next, add half a cup of the cooked pasta, followed by the sliced grilled chicken. Sprinkle one tablespoon of shredded Parmesan cheese on top, then add a quarter cup of crispy chickpeas. Finish by topping with one cup of chopped romaine lettuce.
- Seal and Chill: Secure the lids on the jars and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, which allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill. These jars can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before eating, shake the jar vigorously to mix or pour the contents into a bowl if preferred.
Notes
- Add halved cherry tomatoes or sliced cucumber for extra freshness and color.
- Substitute grilled shrimp or tofu to make a seafood or vegetarian variation of this salad.
- Use whole-wheat or chickpea pasta for added protein and fiber for a healthier option.
Keywords: grilled chicken salad, pasta salad, Caesar salad, meal prep, healthy lunch, mason jar salad
