Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

If you love Caesar salad and pasta, get ready for the perfect marriage of flavors! Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, crisp Romaine lettuce, and creamy Caesar dressing for a comforting and refreshing meal. It’s a versatile dish that works for potlucks, picnics, or even meal prep, delivering a satisfying combination of textures and flavors.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

This recipe is straightforward, and it comes together quickly with just a bit of prep.

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Salt the water generously to infuse flavor into the pasta, and cook until al dente, as the pasta will soften slightly once mixed with the dressing. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down and prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Chicken

For juicy and flavorful chicken:

1. Season the Chicken: Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder.
2. Cook the Chicken: Grill or pan-fry over medium-high heat until cooked through, around 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Slice or Shred: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice or shred it into bite-sized pieces.

3. Chop the Romaine Lettuce

Rinse and chop the Romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Pat it dry with a paper towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess water.

4. Prepare the Caesar Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a bit of anchovy paste (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. The dressing should be creamy, tangy, and slightly thick.

5. Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped Romaine lettuce, sliced or shredded chicken, and a handful of cherry tomatoes (if using). Pour the Caesar dressing over the mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.

6. Garnish with Parmesan and Croutons

Top the salad with extra Parmesan cheese and a generous handful of croutons for added texture and flavor. Give the salad a final toss to distribute everything evenly.

7. Chill and Serve

For best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Choose the Right Pasta

Opt for pasta shapes that hold onto the dressing well, such as bowtie, rotini, or penne. Avoid delicate pastas like spaghetti, which don’t mix as well in a salad.

Use Fresh Ingredients

Romaine lettuce is key for its crisp texture, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides the best flavor. Pre-grated cheeses often contain additives that can affect taste and texture.

Go Easy on the Dressing

Start with a smaller amount of dressing and add more as needed. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy and lets you adjust the flavor.

Customize to Your Taste

Feel free to add extra veggies, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or even avocados for a twist on the classic Caesar flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is a meal in itself but can also be served with a few delicious side options:

Garlic Bread

A warm slice of garlic bread or a baguette complements the creamy pasta salad perfectly.

Grilled Veggies

Serve with a side of grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus to add extra color and flavor to the meal.

Fresh Fruit Salad

A refreshing fruit salad balances the creamy pasta and provides a light finish to the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Make This Salad in Advance?

Yes! Prepare all components in advance, but keep the dressing separate until just before serving. This prevents the lettuce from wilting and the pasta from soaking up too much dressing.

2. What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep extra croutons on the side to maintain their crunch.

3. Can I Use Store-Bought Caesar Dressing?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought Caesar dressing can be used as a quick alternative to the homemade dressing.

4. What’s a Good Substitute for Romaine Lettuce?

If you’re not a fan of Romaine, try baby spinach, arugula, or mixed greens for a different twist.

5. How Can I Make This Salad Gluten-Free?

Use gluten-free pasta and croutons to make the salad gluten-free. Many grocery stores offer gluten-free options that work just as well in this recipe.

Yield: 4

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

Print

If you love Caesar salad and pasta, get ready for the perfect marriage of flavors! Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines tender pasta, juicy chicken, crisp Romaine lettuce, and creamy Caesar dressing for a comforting and refreshing meal. It’s a versatile dish that works for potlucks, picnics, or even meal prep, delivering a satisfying combination of textures and flavors.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (grilled or rotisserie)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup croutons (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
   
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, and red onion.
   
3. Add Dressing:
   Pour the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is well coated. Add salt and pepper to taste.
   
4. Serve:
   Transfer the pasta salad to serving bowls or a large platter. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and croutons if using. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
   
5. Chill (Optional):
   For the best flavor, refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

Pasta Alternatives: You can use gluten-free pasta or whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.

Make it Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with chickpeas or add more vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may become a bit soggy due to the dressing, so add extra dressing when serving if needed.