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Easy 5-Day Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Jars Perfect for Meal Prep

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A fresh and satisfying chicken Caesar pasta salad layered in jars to keep textures crisp and flavors bright for up to five days, perfect for meal prep lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked rotisserie or grilled chicken, shredded or chopped
  • 3 cups cooked fusilli pasta (about 8 oz or 225 g dry pasta), drained and cooled
  • 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup croutons (add just before eating)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2–3 tablespoons water to thin dressing as needed

Instructions

  1. Boil 8 oz (225 g) fusilli pasta in salted water according to package instructions (usually 10-12 minutes for al dente). Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Let drain thoroughly to avoid watery jars. (About 15 minutes)
  2. If not using pre-cooked chicken, grill or pan-sear boneless chicken breasts or thighs seasoned with salt and pepper until cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Let cool and chop into bite-sized pieces. (About 20 minutes)
  3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp Parmesan, minced garlic, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Thin with 2-3 tbsp water until pourable but still creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning. (5 minutes)
  4. Chop 4 cups romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes if using. Dry lettuce well to keep it crisp.
  5. Start by spooning 2-3 tablespoons of Caesar dressing at the bottom of each jar. Layer ½ cup cooked pasta evenly in each jar, followed by ⅓ cup chicken, then the chopped romaine, and cherry tomatoes. Top with 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese. Seal jars tightly. (10 minutes)
  6. Store jars in the fridge upright. Add croutons only when ready to eat to maintain crunch. The salad will keep fresh textures for up to 5 days.
  7. When ready to eat, shake the jar vigorously to distribute the dressing or pour contents into a bowl and toss. Add croutons on top and enjoy.

Notes

Keep lettuce as dry as possible to maintain crispness. Layer dressing at the bottom of jars to prevent sogginess. Add croutons only before eating to keep them crunchy. Use fusilli or rotini pasta for best texture. Pasta and chicken must be cooled before assembling. Store jars upright in fridge for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken Caesar salad, pasta salad, meal prep, healthy lunch, easy recipe, fusilli pasta, Caesar dressing, make ahead salad

Find it online: https://avabake.com/easy-5-day-chicken-caesar-pasta-salad-jars-perfect-for-meal-prep/