Description
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a delicious twist on the classic Caesar salad, combining tender cooked chicken, al dente pasta, crisp romaine lettuce, and a creamy homemade Caesar dressing. Finished with garlicky breadcrumbs and fresh parsley, it makes a perfect, easy-to-make meal that’s great for lunch, dinner, or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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 mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for dressing)
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
- Olive oil (to emulsify, amount as needed, approximately 2-3 tablespoons)
- ½ cup garlicky breadcrumbs or crushed croutons
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts and cook by grilling, baking, or pan-frying until fully cooked through. Allow to cool slightly, then cube or slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Lettuce: Wash, dry thoroughly, and chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces to make it easy to mix and eat.
- Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, and anchovy paste (if using) until the mixture is smooth. Slowly whisk in olive oil to emulsify and create a creamy Caesar-style dressing.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Add Toppings: Just before serving, sprinkle garlicky breadcrumbs or crushed croutons on top along with fresh chopped parsley for added texture and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad chilled. Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Cooking chicken by grilling adds a nice smoky flavor, but baking or pan-frying works equally well depending on your preference.
- Rinsing pasta with cold water stops the cooking process and keeps it from becoming mushy in the salad.
- The anchovy paste is optional but adds authentic umami flavor to the Caesar dressing.
- Use garlicky breadcrumbs or crushed croutons to maintain the classic Caesar salad crunch element.
- This salad is best served chilled but can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated.
