Description

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines the classic flavors of Caesar salad with the heartiness of pasta and tender, seasoned chicken. Tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing, this salad is topped with crunchy croutons and Parmesan, making it a perfect dish for lunch, a picnic, or as a side at a BBQ. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

For the Salad:

2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (grilled or rotisserie chicken works well)
8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or bow tie pasta are great choices)
4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped (about 2-3 romaine hearts)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup homemade or store-bought croutons

For the Caesar Dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional but adds depth of flavor)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2–3 tablespoons water or milk (to thin out the dressing, if needed)

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Instructions

Cooking the Pasta and Chicken:
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the chicken: If you’re using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. If cooking chicken yourself, season with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil, then grill or pan-fry until fully cooked. Let it rest before dicing.
Making the Caesar Dressing:
- Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and anchovy paste (if using). Add salt and pepper to taste. If the dressing is too thick, thin it with a little water or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Assembling the Salad:
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add the dressing: Pour the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Top with croutons: Just before serving, add the croutons for an extra crunch. You can toss them in or sprinkle them on top as a garnish.
Serving:
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This pasta salad can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.Freezing: Not recommended for freezing, as the pasta and croutons won’t hold up well once frozen and thawed.Customizations: Add extra vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or avocado for added freshness and nutrition. For a lighter version, swap half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.