Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a quick and tasty dish that combines the flavors of Caesar salad with pasta. It features a creamy homemade dressing made from Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, garlic, anchovy paste, and Parmesan cheese.
The salad includes cooked pasta (like rotini or penne), chopped Romaine lettuce, and shredded chicken, all tossed together with the dressing. You can also add croutons and extra Parmesan for extra crunch and flavor.
Serve this salad immediately or chill it for a cool, refreshing option. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When serving leftovers, add fresh croutons to maintain their crunchiness. This dish is perfect for a quick lunch or an easy dinner.
Chicken Casar Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp fresh Lemon juice
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tsp minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Anchovy paste
- 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
For the Pasta Salad:
- 8 oz. Uncooked pasta like rotini or penne
- 2 hearts of Romaine lettuce
- Shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped chicken breasts
- Croutons optional
- Extra Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
Make the Dressing:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and anchovy paste until smooth.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Set the dressing aside while you prepare the salad.
Make the Pasta Salad:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large serving bowl.
- Cut the Romaine hearts into 1-inch pieces and add them to the bowl along with the chicken.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- If you like, add croutons and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dressing and chop the ingredients in advance. This will save you time when you’re ready to assemble the salad.
- Protein Swap: Use grilled shrimp or tofu as an alternative to chicken for a different twist.
- Customize: Add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or olives to enhance the salad’s flavor and texture.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 275 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 19g |
| Protein | 14g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
| Fibre | 1g |
| Calcium | 56mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Yes, you can! While rotini or penne work great, feel free to use any pasta you like, such as fusilli, bow ties, or even elbow macaroni. Just make sure to cook it until it’s al dente for the best texture.
How Long Can I Store the Salad in the Fridge?
The salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it in an airtight container. If you’re planning to store it, add the croutons just before serving to keep them from getting soggy.
Can I Make the Dressing Without Anchovy Paste?
Absolutely. If you don’t have anchovy paste or prefer not to use it, you can skip it. The dressing will still be delicious, though it will have a slightly different flavor. For a similar taste, you could add a bit more Parmesan cheese or a dash of fish sauce.