Grilled Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Jars Recipe
Introduction
This Grilled Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Jar is a fresh and convenient meal perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Packed with flavorful grilled chicken, crisp romaine, and creamy Caesar dressing, it’s easy to prepare and portable for busy days.
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 the chicken rest, then slice it into strips.
- Step 2: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to cool. Set aside.
- Step 3: In each mason jar, layer the ingredients starting with 2 tablespoons of Caesar dressing at the bottom, followed by ½ cup cooked pasta, sliced grilled chicken, 1 tablespoon shredded Parmesan, ¼ cup crispy chickpeas, and finally 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce at the top.
- Step 4: Seal the jars with lids and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 days. Before eating, either shake the jar to mix or pour the salad into a bowl.
Tips & Variations
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free option without sacrificing flavor.
- For extra crunch, add croutons just before serving instead of crispy chickpeas.
- Try swapping the grilled chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu for a different protein.
Storage
Store the sealed jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Salad tastes best when eaten within this time frame. If refrigerated longer, the lettuce may become soggy. Shake well before eating or transfer to a bowl for serving. No reheating is needed, as this salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare these salad jars in advance?
Yes, these salad jars keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them excellent for meal prep and grab-and-go lunches.
How do I keep the lettuce from getting soggy?
Layering the dressing at the bottom and lettuce on top prevents sogginess. Keep the jars sealed and refrigerated, and only mix the salad right before eating.
PrintGrilled Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Jars Recipe
This Grilled Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Jar is a convenient and delicious layered salad that combines grilled chicken, al dente pasta, crispy chickpeas, romaine lettuce, and classic Caesar dressing. Perfect for meal prep or a portable lunch, each jar is packed with fresh flavors and balanced textures, making it a refreshing and satisfying choice for any day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 salad jars 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Caesar dressing
- 1/2 cup cooked pasta
- Grilled chicken, sliced
- 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
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Grill the Chicken: Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season evenly with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta of your choice and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set the pasta aside.
- Layer the Jars: Using clean mason jars, start layering the ingredients in the following order from bottom to top: 2 tablespoons of Caesar dressing, 1/2 cup of the cooked pasta, sliced grilled chicken, 1 tablespoon of shredded Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup crispy chickpeas, and finally 1 cup of chopped romaine lettuce on top.
- Seal and Chill: Secure the lids on the jars tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The salad jars can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Shake the jar gently before eating or pour the contents into a bowl and toss to combine.
Notes
- Use your favorite pasta shape, such as penne or rotini, for the best texture and layering.
- Crispy chickpeas can be store-bought or homemade by roasting canned chickpeas in the oven with olive oil and spices until crunchy.
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooled before layering to prevent soggy lettuce.
- You can substitute Caesar dressing with a lighter vinaigrette if preferred.
- Perfect for meal prepping ahead for lunches or easy dinners.
Keywords: Grilled chicken pasta salad, Caesar pasta salad, meal prep salad jars, grilled chicken salad, portable pasta salad
