Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
A balanced mix of crunchy romaine, tender chicken, and flavorful dressing, this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is perfect for gatherings and potlucks.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 2 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta, cooled
- 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
Protein
- 2 pieces grilled chicken breasts, sliced or cubed
Dressings and Toppings
- 1 cup croutons
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese for mixing
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp anchovy paste (optional)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Seasoning
- to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down for the salad.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Grill or pan-sear until cooked through, then slice or cube into bite-sized pieces.
- Wash and chop the romaine lettuce into medium-sized pieces.
Dressing
- For homemade dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, anchovy paste, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and freshly grated Parmesan until creamy.
Assembly
- In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta, chicken, romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese with enough dressing to coat evenly.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Serve chilled, garnished with extra Parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, and lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
Cool the pasta and serve immediately to maintain texture. Optional to store components separately if leftovers remain.