Description
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a quick and delicious dish that combines classic Caesar dressing flavors with tender pasta, fresh Romaine, and savory chicken. Perfect for a light lunch or a crowd-pleasing side, it’s easy to prepare in just 20 minutes and can be served immediately or chilled for later.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
- 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salad
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (rotini or penne)
- 2 hearts of Romaine lettuce
- Shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped cooked chicken breasts (about 2 cups)
- Croutons (optional, for garnish)
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, thoroughly whisk together the Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and anchovy paste until smooth and well combined. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper, then set the dressing aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the rest of the salad.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the uncooked pasta and cook it until al dente, which typically takes about 10 minutes depending on the pasta type. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and immediately transfer it to a large serving bowl to cool slightly.
- Prepare the salad base: Wash and dry the Romaine hearts, then chop them into approximately 1-inch pieces. Add the chopped Romaine to the bowl with the warm pasta. Add the shredded shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped cooked chicken breasts to the bowl as well.
- Toss the salad: Pour the prepared Caesar-style dressing over the pasta, Romaine, and chicken mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Garnish and serve: If desired, sprinkle croutons over the top for added crunch. Garnish the salad with additional Parmesan cheese before serving. Serve immediately for the freshest taste or cover and refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Use warm pasta to help the dressing absorb better, enhancing the flavors.
- Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing option.
- Rotisserie chicken is a quick shortcut, but grilled chicken also works well.
- Add freshly cracked black pepper to taste for an extra kick.
- Croutons add crunch but are optional; they can be omitted for a gluten-free alternative.
- Refrigerate leftovers tightly covered and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.
