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Grilled Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Jars Recipe

4.7 from 140 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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