Samantha A fresh, simple salad that mixes pasta, chicken, and classic Caesar flavors for a quick meal.
introduction
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is easy and fresh. It uses cooked pasta, grilled chicken, romaine, and a creamy Caesar dressing. If you like simple chicken recipes, this is a good step from a three-ingredient chicken salad to something with more crunch and flavor.
why make this recipe
This salad is quick, fills you up, and travels well to work or a picnic. You can make it ahead, feed a crowd, or use leftovers. It mixes warm grilled chicken with cool pasta and crisp lettuce for a good balance.
how to make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Cook the pasta and cool it.
- Grill or pan-sear the seasoned chicken, then slice or cube it.
- Wash and chop the romaine lettuce.
- Make the dressing or use store-bought Caesar dressing.
- Toss pasta, chicken, lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan with dressing until coated.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes so the flavors meld.
Ingredients :
- 2 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta, cooled
- 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced or cubed
- 1 cup croutons
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp anchovy paste (optional)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions :
- 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 that provide a satisfying crunch.
- If using store-bought Caesar dressing, stir well to combine. For homemade dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, anchovy paste, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and freshly grated Parmesan until creamy.
- 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.
how to serve Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Serve chilled. Use a large bowl or individual bowls. Add extra Parmesan and black pepper on top. Offer lemon wedges for a bright finish. This works as a main dish or a side.
how to store Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store croutons separately if you want them crunchy. Toss before serving if dressing settles.
tips to make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Cool the pasta fully so the lettuce stays crisp.
- Use room-temperature dressing to coat ingredients evenly.
- Cut the chicken into same-size pieces for easy bites.
- If you like bold garlic and cheese, try a related garlic Parmesan chicken pasta for more ideas.
- Taste and add salt or lemon juice at the end to balance flavors.
variation (if any)
- Swap romaine for baby spinach or kale for more greens.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
- Add cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, or bacon bits for extra flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this salad ahead?
A: Yes. Make it and chill for at least 30 minutes. Keep croutons separate until serving for best crunch.
Q: Can I use leftover chicken?
A: Yes. Leftover roasted or baked chicken works well. Just dice or shred it.
Q: Is anchovy paste required in the dressing?
A: No. Anchovy paste adds classic Caesar depth, but you can skip it for a milder flavor.
Q: How long does the salad last in the fridge?
A: Up to 3 days in an airtight container. The lettuce may soften over time.
Q: Can I make the dressing without mayonnaise?
A: Yes. Use Greek yogurt or a store-bought Caesar dressing instead.
Conclusion
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a simple, tasty meal that you can make fast and enjoy cold or slightly chilled. For more recipe ideas and a similar salad take, see Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad – Just a Taste and another version at Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad | Gimme Some Oven.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Method
- 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 that provide a satisfying crunch.
- If using store-bought Caesar dressing, stir well to combine. For homemade dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, anchovy paste, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and freshly grated Parmesan until creamy.
- 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.
