Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is the best of both worlds: creamy Caesar salad meets satisfying pasta salad. The homemade dressing is rich and flavorful, and when combined with rotisserie chicken, Romaine lettuce, and pasta, it creates a delicious meal. Plus, it’s quick to make and easily customizable with your favorite add-ins.
Ingredients
For the 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 (optional)
- 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
For the pasta salad:
- 8 oz. uncooked pasta (rotini or penne)
- 2 hearts of Romaine lettuce
- Shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped chicken breasts
- Croutons (optional)
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, garlic, and anchovy paste. Stir in grated Parmesan and a pinch of pepper. Set aside.
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Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl.
-
Assemble the salad: Chop the Romaine hearts into 1-inch pieces, then add them to the bowl with the pasta along with the shredded chicken. Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients and toss to coat.
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Serve: Add croutons (if using) and garnish with extra Parmesan. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Servings and Timing
- Serves: 10
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Use cheesy tortellini instead of pasta for a fun twist.
- Add more veggies, such as cherry tomatoes or cucumbers, for extra freshness.
- Top with grilled shrimp, salmon, or skirt steak for added protein.
Storage/Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This salad can be enjoyed cold, making it perfect for meal prep.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?
Yes, you can substitute the homemade dressing with your favorite store-bought Caesar dressing for convenience.
2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the pasta, chicken, and dressing separately, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to toss them together.
3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Any short pasta, like fusilli or farfalle, would work well for this recipe.
4. Can I leave out the anchovy paste?
Yes, the anchovy paste is optional, but it adds a distinct depth of flavor to the dressing.
5. How can I make this salad spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the dressing for some extra heat.
6. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can leave out the chicken and add more vegetables for a vegetarian version.
7. How long does the dressing last in the fridge?
The homemade dressing can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
8. Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Yes, you can use iceberg lettuce or any other greens of your choice.
9. How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, though the croutons may become soggy.
Conclusion
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. With a homemade dressing and a mix of tender chicken, pasta, and fresh Romaine, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish that can be enjoyed as a main or a side. Whip it up in just 20 minutes for a quick and delicious meal!
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minute
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10
- Category: Salad, Pasta Salad, Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Mixing
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines the creamy, tangy flavors of Caesar dressing with hearty pasta and tender chicken. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick lunch, side dish, or light dinner. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy!
Ingredients
For the dressing:
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
- ⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
For the pasta salad:
- 8 oz. uncooked pasta (rotini or penne)
- 2 hearts of Romaine lettuce
- Shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped chicken breasts
- Croutons (optional)
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
-
Make the Dressing:
In a medium bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, garlic, and anchovy paste (if using). Stir in grated Parmesan and a pinch of pepper. Set the dressing aside. -
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, about 10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large bowl to cool slightly. -
Assemble the Salad:
Chop the Romaine lettuce into 1-inch pieces, then add it to the bowl with the pasta. Add the shredded chicken and pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients. Toss everything together to coat evenly. -
Serve:
Top the salad with croutons (if using) and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Variations
- Cheesy Tortellini: Swap the pasta for cheesy tortellini for a fun twist.
- Add More Veggies: Add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers for extra freshness.
- Top with Grilled Protein: Add grilled shrimp, salmon, or skirt steak for added protein.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: This salad is best served cold. If needed, you can chill it again or serve it straight from the fridge for meal prep. The dressing may thicken over time, so you can add a splash of water or extra dressing if needed.
