Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad – Experience the combination of flavors in our Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. This incredible dish brings together the goodness of a Caesar salad, with the heartiness of pasta and tender chicken chunks. It’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for a meal or as a crowd-pleasing side dish at gatherings. In 20 minutes you can savor the dressing, crisp romaine lettuce, and the unmistakable taste of Parmesan cheese. Get ready to take your game to heights with this irresistible creation!
During a bustling weeknight, inspiration struck me—an idea to blend Caesar salad with pasta resulting in our beloved Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Whipping up the creamy Caesar dressing was, like orchestrating a symphony of flavors combining zesty Worcestershire sauce with the comforting fragrance of garlic. The grated Parmesan cheese added an umami touch. While boiling the pasta to al dente perfection I prepared tender rotisserie chicken. Crisp romaine hearts to ensure that this dish would cater perfectly to my family’s tastes. When we gathered around the dinner table something magical happened as even my picky husband and child eagerly dug into their plates with delight. The harmonious medley of romaine lettuce Parmesan cheese, creamy dressing, and tender chicken and pasta won over their hearts. It marked the beginning of a family favorite serving as a reminder that cherished memories are born from homemade meals. It also highlights how even the simplest ingredients can come together to create marvels.
What makes this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad exceptionally delicious?
Indulge, in the combination of Caesar salad and hearty pasta with our Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Our special homemade Caesar dressing is a blend of flavors featuring Dijon mustard, tangy lemon juice, savory Worcestershire sauce, rich mayo, minced garlic, and anchovy paste. This delectable dressing is then crowned with Parmesan cheese taking your taste buds on an unforgettable journey. Pair it with cooked al dente pasta and crisp Romaine hearts along with your choice of protein. Either rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breasts. For a meal that’s quick to prepare yet incredibly satisfying and bursting with flavor. Loved by families and adaptable, to preferences this culinary creation redefines the art of making salads by proving that convenience can indeed be exceptionally delicious.
What You Need To Make This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe?
Dijon Mustard: The addition of Dijon mustard brings a tangy flavor to the dressing enhancing its overall taste.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Using freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a zesty citrus element, to the dressing balancing out its creamy richness.
Worcestershire Sauce: Worcestershire sauce adds a hint of depth and umami to the dressing, which is essential for achieving that authentic Caesar taste.
Mayonnaise: A good quality mayonnaise serves as the base of the dressing ensuring a velvety consistency.
Minced Garlic: Minced garlic contributes its robust flavor to the dressing elevating it to perfection.
Anchovy Paste: While not necessary anchovy paste provides a depth and savory complexity to the dressing. It’s truly what makes it taste like a Caesar salad.
Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated Parmesan cheese not only enriches the dressing but also provides a signature umami punch making it one of the highlights of this salad.
Pasta: Opting for pasta varieties such as rotini or penne works well as they hold onto the dressing nicely and add a texture to the salad.
Romaine Hearts: Crisp and fresh romaine hearts form the foundation of this salad offering a crunch that beautifully complements the dressing.
Protein: Make your salad unique, by selecting either succulent rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breasts tailoring the dish to suit your flavor preferences.
Croutons (Optional): If you’re looking for some crunch consider adding croutons as a garnish to provide a contrast in texture.
Parmesan Cheese for Serving: To add a burst of flavor keep some grated Parmesan cheese nearby to sprinkle over the completed salad.
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Steps To Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad:
Step 1: Let’s start by making the dressing. In a bowl, we’re going to combine some amazing flavors. Begin with a couple of teaspoons of Dijon mustard, for that tangy kick. Add two tablespoons of squeezed lemon juice to give it a flavor followed by two teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce to bring out the savory goodness.
Step 2: Now it’s time for the mayo! Add a 3/4 cup of mayo to make it wonderfully creamy. But here’s where the magic comes in; include two teaspoons of garlic, for some boldness!. If you’re feeling adventurous you can add a teaspoon of anchovy paste to take your dressing to another level. Lastly, let’s not forget about the star ingredient – 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese. This will give the dressing its creaminess and cheesiness. Give everything a whisk. Set this flavorful mixture aside.
Step 3: Moving on to the pasta salad. Now get a pot. Bring it to a boil. Cook 8 ounces of pasta until it reaches that al dente texture, which should take 10 minutes. Drain the pasta. Transfer it into a spacious bowl.
Step 4: It’s time to add some crunch and freshness to our salad. Take two hearts of Romaine lettuce the crispy part. Chop them into pieces 1 inch in size. Add them to the bowl of pasta.
Step 5: Now, for some protein, you can shred up some chicken or use juicy grilled chicken breasts depending on your preference. Mix it in with the pasta and lettuce.
Step 6: Next, drizzle the dressing you made over the pasta, chicken, and lettuce. Get ready for a creamy sensation!
Step 7: If you’re looking for a burst of flavor and texture consider adding croutons. They provide a crunch. Feel free to skip this step if it’s not your thing.
Step 8: To top it all off sprinkle some Parmesan cheese because you can never have cheese right?
Step 9: And voila! Your Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is now ready to steal the spotlight at any mealtime. It’s an experience, with every bite guaranteed to make you want seconds or even thirds! Enjoy!
Tip:
Looking to elevate your Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad? Here’s a pro tip; enhance the flavor by marinating your chicken in some delicious Caesar dressing before grilling. It’s a game-changer! Just place the chicken in a bag, add a dressing, seal it and let it marinate in the fridge for about 30 minutes. The result? Tender flavorful chicken infused with that Caesar taste. Grilling will also give it a smoky char. When you mix it into your salad get ready, for an explosion of flavor, with every bite. Believe me, this extra step truly makes all the difference!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Certainly! You have the option to make the dressing, in advance and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to put the salad.
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Definitely! To make a vegetarian version all you need to do is leave out the paste and opt for a vegetarian-friendly Parmesan cheese instead.
How long can I refrigerate leftovers?
You can store any remaining salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for, up to two days. Just remember to keep the croutons separate so that they maintain their crunchiness.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Ingredients
FOR THE DRESSING:
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp. 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 ounces uncooked pasta such as rotini or penne
- 2 hearts of Romaine
- Shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped chicken breasts
- Croutons optional
- cerise tomato optional
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- To make the dressing start by whisking 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, 3/4 cup of mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of anchovy paste and 1/3 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese. Set the dressing aside.
- Next, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 8 ounces of pasta (rotini or penne) until it is al dente—around 10 minutes. Drain the pasta. Transfer it to a large bowl.
- Now it's time to assemble the salad. Cut two hearts of Romaine lettuce into pieces about an inch in size. Add them to the bowl with the pasta. For some added protein consider including shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped chicken breasts.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and salad ingredients. Make sure everything is well coated by tossing it all together.
- If you're looking for some texture and flavor feel free to add croutons as a crunch.
- To serve your creation garnish with Parmesan cheese and enjoy right away! If you prefer a chilled salad experience refrigerate it covered until you're ready to indulge.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
