Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
A bright bowl of Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad featuring classic Caesar flavors combined with pasta, grilled chicken, and a creamy dressing, perfect for a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta, cooled
- 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped Use crisp, bright green heads.
- 2 pieces grilled chicken breasts, sliced or cubed Boneless skinless breasts recommended.
- 1 cup croutons Add just before serving for crunch.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese For the salad topping.
Dressing Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise Base for the dressing.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice Use fresh lemon juice for best flavor.
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp anchovy paste Optional for umami flavor.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese For the dressing.
- Salt and to taste freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook and cool the pasta in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse with cold water.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Grill or pan-sear until cooked through. Rest and slice or cube.
- Wash and chop romaine into medium pieces. Pat dry to ensure dressing clings.
- For the dressing, whisk mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, anchovy paste, Dijon, Worcestershire sauce, and grated Parmesan until smooth.
- In a large bowl, toss pasta, chicken, romaine, croutons, and Parmesan with enough dressing to coat. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional Parmesan and lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep dressing separate if storing for more than a day to preserve texture.