Description
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines classic Caesar flavors with tender pasta and protein-packed chicken for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal. Featuring a creamy homemade Caesar dressing with Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, anchovy paste, and Parmesan cheese, this salad is perfect for lunch, picnics, or a light dinner. Ready in just 20 minutes and serving 10, it’s a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish that can be served immediately or chilled.
Ingredients
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
- 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salad
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (rotini or penne)
- 2 hearts of Romaine lettuce, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped cooked chicken breasts (approx. 2 cups)
- Croutons (optional, for garnish)
- Additional Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and anchovy paste until well combined. Stir in the finely grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Set the dressing aside while preparing the rest of the salad.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, which usually takes about 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and transfer it to a large serving bowl.
- Combine salad ingredients: Add the chopped Romaine lettuce and shredded rotisserie or cooked chicken to the bowl with the cooked pasta.
- Toss the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Add final touches and serve: If desired, add croutons for a crunchy texture and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese. Serve the salad immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to eat.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor in the dressing and garnish.
- Rotisserie chicken can be substituted with grilled or boiled chicken breasts.
- Croutons are optional but add a nice crunch.
- You can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Ensure to salt the pasta water well to enhance pasta flavor.
