Description
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a refreshing, flavorful dish combining tender cooked chicken, al dente pasta, crisp romaine lettuce, and a creamy Caesar dressing with a tangy twist. Enhanced with garlicky breadcrumbs and fresh parsley, it makes a perfect cold pasta salad for lunch, picnics, or light dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad 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 garlicky breadcrumbs or crushed croutons
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Dressing Ingredients
- 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 Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts and cook them by grilling, baking, or pan-frying until fully cooked. Allow the cooked chicken to cool slightly, then cube or slice it for the salad.
- Prepare Lettuce: Wash the romaine lettuce thoroughly, dry it well, and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Make Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and anchovy paste if using, until smooth. Slowly whisk in olive oil to emulsify the dressing and achieve a creamy texture.
- Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, and Parmesan cheese. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Add Garnishes: Just before serving, sprinkle the garlicky breadcrumbs or crushed croutons and fresh chopped parsley on top to add texture and freshness.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad cold, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges for added flavor.
Notes
- Use any short pasta like penne, bowtie, or fusilli for the best texture in the salad.
- Anchovy paste is optional but recommended for authentic Caesar dressing flavor.
- To keep the salad fresh, add garlicky breadcrumbs or croutons just before serving to prevent sogginess.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; stir well before serving again.
