Description
A refreshing and satisfying Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combining tender cooked chicken, al dente pasta, crisp romaine lettuce, and a creamy homemade Caesar dressing. Enhanced with Parmesan cheese, garlicky breadcrumbs, and fresh parsley, this salad makes a perfect light lunch or side dish ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed or sliced
- 8 oz pasta (penne, bowtie, or fusilli), cooked al dente
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup garlicky breadcrumbs or crushed croutons
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
- Olive oil (to emulsify, amount as needed)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts as desired and cook by grilling, baking, or pan-frying until fully cooked through. Let the chicken cool slightly, then cube or slice it into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the lettuce: Wash, dry thoroughly, and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, ensuring freshness and crunch in the salad.
- Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and anchovy paste if using. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing into a creamy texture.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly without bruising the lettuce.
- Add toppings and garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with garlicky breadcrumbs or crushed croutons for texture and chopped fresh parsley for freshness and color.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad cold. Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges for added flavor.
Notes
- Anchovy paste is optional but adds authentic Caesar dressing flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste and texture.
- Cooking chicken can be adapted to your preferred method: grilling provides a smoky flavor, baking is hands-off, and pan-frying is quick and convenient.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Make sure pasta is well-drained and cooled to avoid a soggy salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
