Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
A delightful Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad that combines hearty chicken, fresh veggies, and a light dressing, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Vegetable Ingredients
- 1 large zucchini 10 to 12 ounces, provides moisture and texture
- 3 ears fresh corn adds sweetness and crunch
- 1 medium lemon adds acidity
- 1 tablespoon olive oil adds richness
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for cooking and flavor
Chicken Ingredients
- 1.25 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 2, the protein base
- 1.25 teaspoons kosher salt divided for seasoning
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper divided for seasoning
- 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder divided for seasoning depth
- 0.75 teaspoon regular or smoked paprika provides smokiness
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse zucchini under cool water, slice into bite-sized pieces, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and set aside.
- Cut the kernels off the fresh corn and set aside.
- Squeeze the juice of the lemon into a small bowl, catching any seeds.
- Mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, remaining kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl to season the chicken.
Cooking
- Heat a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
- Season chicken breasts with the spice mixture and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Melt unsalted butter in the skillet and sauté zucchini and corn for about 5-7 minutes until tender.
Assembly
- Remove cooked chicken from skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, sautéed zucchini, and corn.
- Drizzle lemon juice over the mixture, toss gently to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley leaves if desired, and serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Notes
This salad is great for meal prep and the flavors meld beautifully if made in advance. Store leftovers in an airtight container. Can be served hot, warm, or chilled.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g
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