Description
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a hearty and flavorful dish combining tender pasta, juicy chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, and a creamy Caesar dressing. Perfect for potlucks, lunches, or a light dinner, this salad is a twist on the classic Caesar salad that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Salad
- 2 cups (200 g) pasta (rotini, penne, or bowties)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated or shaved
- 1/2 cup croutons
For the Caesar Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2–3 tbsp water (to thin, if necessary)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, rinse with cold water to cool, and set aside.
2. Make the Caesar Dressing
- In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches your desired consistency.
3. Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, romaine lettuce, and cherry tomatoes.
- Pour the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well-coated.
4. Garnish and Serve
- Top the salad with Parmesan cheese and croutons just before serving for added texture and flavor.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to chill.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare all components separately and assemble just before serving to keep the lettuce and croutons crisp.
- Protein Variations: Substitute grilled shrimp, turkey, or tofu for the chicken for a different twist.
- Store-Bought Dressing: For convenience, use your favorite Caesar dressing instead of homemade.