Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
A quick and delicious Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combining classic Caesar dressing flavors with tender pasta, crisp Romaine, shredded chicken, and optional crunchy croutons, perfect for a light lunch or picnic dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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 recommended)
- 2 hearts of Romaine lettuce, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped cooked chicken breasts
- Croutons (optional, for serving)
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and anchovy paste until smooth and well combined. Stir in the finely grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Set the dressing aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, approximately 10 minutes. Drain the pasta well and transfer it into a large serving bowl.
- Prepare the salad: Add the cut Romaine hearts and shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped chicken breasts to the bowl with the cooked pasta.
- Toss the salad: Pour the prepared Caesar dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Serve: Optionally sprinkle croutons on top for added crunch and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- For best texture, add croutons just before serving to maintain their crunch.
- You can substitute grilled chicken if preferred.
- This salad can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours; stir gently before serving.
- Remove anchovy paste for a milder dressing, but it adds authentic Caesar flavor.
Keywords: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, Caesar dressing, pasta salad, easy salad, rotisserie chicken recipe, summer salad, lunch recipe
Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/chicken-caesar-pasta-salad-recipe/