Description
Fresh and zesty chicken caesar pasta salad combines classic Italian flavors with creamy dressing and tender chicken. Crisp romaine, parmesan cheese, and herbed croutons create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 2 romaine lettuce hearts
- 1 rotisserie chicken (shredded) or chicken breasts (chopped)
- 3/4 cup high-quality mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
- 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp anchovy paste
- croutons (optional)
- Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
- Whisk Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and anchovy paste in a medium bowl until smooth and well-combined.
- Fold in finely grated Parmesan cheese until thoroughly incorporated, creating a creamy dressing.
- Boil a large pot of salted water to 212°F. Add pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain completely and transfer to a large serving bowl.
- Chop Romaine lettuce into bite-sized, 1-inch pieces while pasta cools to room temperature.
- Add cooked chicken and chopped lettuce to pasta, ensuring even distribution.
- Pour prepared dressing over the pasta mixture, gently tossing to coat all ingredients uniformly.
- Sprinkle crisp croutons across the salad for added texture and crunch.
- Finish by garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese shavings.
- Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
Notes
- Make your own Caesar dressing for a fresher, more vibrant flavor profile that beats store-bought versions.
- For a lighter version, swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
- Grill or roast chicken instead of using pre-cooked to enhance the overall depth and smokiness of the dish.
- Replace chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian alternative that keeps the protein content high.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg