When it comes to combining the best of both worlds—fresh, crisp salad and hearty, satisfying pasta—nothing beats a Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. This delightful dish brings together tender chicken, crunchy Romaine lettuce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing. Ideal for a light lunch or a filling dinner, it’s a versatile and delicious option that’s sure to become a favorite.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Why This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Is the Best
- Fresh and Crisp Ingredients: The combination of fresh Romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tender chicken creates a refreshing and satisfying salad.
- Creamy Caesar Dressing: The homemade Caesar dressing is rich and flavorful, made with Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. It ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
- Hearty and Filling: The addition of pasta makes this salad hearty and filling, perfect for a complete meal. You can use rotini, penne, or any pasta you prefer.
Ingredient Notes:
Dressing:
- Anchovy fillets: Provide a deep, umami flavor that enhances the overall richness of the dressing.
- Mayonnaise: Acts as the base of the dressing, creating a creamy texture.
- Lemon juice: Adds acidity and brightness, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise.
- Parmesan cheese: Contributes a salty, savory flavor that complements the anchovies.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy, sharp flavor that enhances the complexity of the dressing.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami to the dressing.
Salad:
- Penne pasta: Forms the base of the salad, providing structure and substance.
- Romaine lettuce: Adds a fresh, crunchy texture and a classic Caesar salad flavor.
- Grilled chicken breasts: Provides protein and a hearty element to the salad.
- Grape tomatoes: Adds a burst of freshness and sweetness.
- Parmesan cheese: Enhances the flavor with its sharp, nutty notes.
- Croutons: Add crunch and texture, mimicking the classic Caesar salad topping
Serving Suggestions
- Chilled or Room Temperature: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Chilling it makes it extra refreshing, especially on a warm day.
- With Croutons: Add some crunch by topping the salad with croutons. They add a delightful texture contrast to the creamy dressing and tender ingredients.
- For Lunch or Dinner: This salad is versatile enough to serve as a light lunch or a satisfying dinner. It’s also great for potlucks and gatherings.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients make all the difference in this salad. Crisp Romaine lettuce, ripe cherry tomatoes, and freshly cooked chicken ensure the best flavor and texture.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cook the pasta just until al dente to avoid it becoming too soft when mixed with the dressing.
- Make the Dressing Ahead: You can make the Caesar dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld and makes assembly quicker.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the combination of fresh, crisp ingredients and creamy dressing in a Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. This recipe is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Refreshing, hearty, and irresistibly delicious, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
FAQs
Can I Make This Pasta Salad in Advance?
- You can prepare the pasta salad ahead of time, but hold off on adding the croutons and lettuce until you’re ready to serve. Set aside 1/4 cup of dressing in the fridge, and toss it with the lettuce just before mixing it into the salad. This will keep the lettuce fresh and crisp when serving.
- You can thin the pasta salad with a bit of water the next day if needed, before adding the lettuce and croutons. This helps maintain the right consistency and ensures everything is well coated.
Can I Use Another Type of Pasta?
- Other bite-sized pasta shapes work wonderfully in this recipe too.
Will Rotisserie Chicken Work?
- If you’re short on time, a store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great substitute and works perfectly in this recipe.
Can Chicken Thighs be Used?
- Grilled chicken thighs are an excellent alternative to chicken breasts in this recipe. They add a rich, flavorful touch!
How Can I Make the Dressing Lighter?
- For a lighter dressing, you can substitute plain Greek yogurt for 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Reduce the lemon juice to 2 tablespoons to balance the tanginess.
Be sure to check out these other delicious dinner recipes!
Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
Chicken Alfredo Pizza
Lemon Butter Chicken
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
There’s nothing quite like the combination of fresh, crisp ingredients and creamy dressing in a Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. This recipe is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Refreshing, hearty, and irresistibly delicious, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 5 anchovy fillets canned in oil / drained
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Salad
- 10 oz. dry penne pasta
- 4 cups slightly packed chopped romaine lettuce, preferably from romaine hearts or the center portion
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, grilled, cooled, and chopped
- 1 pint grape tomatoes halved
- 3/4 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cup croutons homemade/store-bought
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to thin as needed
Instructions
Cook the pasta
- Cook the pasta in salted water following the package instructions. Save 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later and let it cool down. Drain the pasta and spread it out on a baking sheet that's sprayed with cooking spray or lined with parchment paper. Make sure the pasta is completely cool before continuing.
Make the dressing
- Finely mince the anchovies and place them in a medium mixing bowl. Use the back of a spoon to mash them into a paste. Add mayonnaise, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth, then fridge until ready to use.
Toss salad and dressing
- In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled pasta, lettuce, chicken, tomatoes, and parsley. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss until everything is evenly coated. If the dressing becomes too thick, thin it out with a bit of reserved pasta water.
- Add croutons and Parmesan cheese, then give the salad a few more tosses to fully incorporate the ingredients.
Notes
- Serve the salad within a few hours of preparation, as the lettuce will begin to wilt. Keep it chilled until ready to serve.
- You can make the pasta salad ahead of time, but wait to add the lettuce and croutons until just before serving. Also, set aside 1/4 cup of the dressing in the fridge to toss with the lettuce before mixing it into the pasta salad.
- If serving the next day, you can thin the salad with a little water before adding the fresh lettuce and croutons.
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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad