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This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a quick and satisfying way to enjoy all the flavors of a Caesar salad with the comfort of pasta and juicy chicken. I love how the creamy homemade dressing clings to the pasta and crisp lettuce for a refreshing main dish perfect for lunches or summer dinners.
I first whipped this up after a park picnic when we needed something fast and wholesome that everyone enjoyed. Now it is my go-to for potlucks and lazy Sundays alike.
Ingredients
- Dijon mustard: gives the dressing a zesty kick and choose a good quality jar for best flavor
- Fresh lemon juice: brightens up the salad and fresh squeezed makes the dressing taste homemade
- Worcestershire sauce: adds umami try for a brand with natural ingredients
- Mayonnaise: creates that signature creamy Caesar base and whole egg mayo works best
- Minced garlic: packs garlicky punch make sure your cloves are fresh
- Anchovy paste: deepens the classic Caesar flavor choose a tube with the shortest ingredient list
- Finely grated Parmesan cheese: gives nuttiness and salt go for a wedge and grate yourself if possible
- Uncooked pasta such as rotini or penne: their shapes hold dressing well use a sturdy wheat brand
- Hearts of Romaine: provide crunch and leafiness pick tightly packed heads for crispness
- Shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped chicken breasts: pre-cooked makes this meal fast and easy
- Croutons (optional): but add crunch use a bakery loaf for homemade if you like
- Extra Parmesan for serving: for that irresistible cheesy finish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Caesar Dressing:
- Whisk together Dijon mustard lemon juice Worcestershire mayonnaise minced garlic and anchovy paste in a medium bowl until silky and smooth. Stir in finely grated Parmesan and a pinch of black pepper to meld flavors. Set aside so the garlic softens and the flavors come together.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a steady boil. Pour in chosen pasta and cook just until al dente about ten minutes so the texture stays firm. Drain thoroughly then rinse under cool water to prevent overcooking and eliminate stickiness. Transfer to a large mixing or serving bowl.
- Prep the Lettuce and Chicken:
- Slice Romaine hearts into bite-size pieces about one inch across for easy eating in each forkful. Add lettuce and shredded rotisserie chicken or bite-size cooked chicken breasts to the bowl with pasta. This ensures every bite has greens and chicken.
- Dress the Salad:
- Pour in prepared Caesar dressing and toss everything generously so pasta and greens get coated evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with more lemon or pepper as needed. This is the moment when everything melds into one delicious salad.
- Finish and Serve:
- Scatter with additional grated Parmesan for extra savory richness. Add croutons if using and toss again lightly to keep them crisp. Serve right away for crunch or cover and refrigerate to let flavors sit together before serving.
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Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. If making ahead hold off on adding croutons until just before serving to keep them crisp. The Romaine may wilt slightly after a day but tossing again with extra cheese or a squeeze of fresh lemon revives it easily.
Ingredient Substitutions
To make this salad vegetarian simply skip the chicken and anchovy paste or use your favorite plant-based alternatives. For a twist switch pasta shapes or swap in cheesy tortellini for even more flavor and texture. If you do not have Worcestershire try a dash of soy sauce or tamari.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a stand-alone weeknight dinner or pack into lunch boxes. It also pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables or as a side to soup. Try topping with extra herbs like chives or parsley for freshness.
Cultural Historical Context
Caesar salad traces back to 1920s Tijuana and became famous for its dramatic tableside preparation. Pasta salads picked up popularity in the United States as picnic fare in the twentieth century so merging Caesar flavors with pasta brings a bit of both classic comfort and modern convenience to your table.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe
- → What kind of chicken works best for this salad?
Shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped cooked chicken breasts are ideal, offering tenderness and flavor.
- → Which pasta shapes hold the dressing well?
Short shapes like rotini or penne capture the creamy dressing and provide satisfying texture.
- → Can the salad be prepared in advance?
Yes, assemble ahead and refrigerate. Add croutons just before serving to keep them crisp.
- → Is anchovy paste essential in the dressing?
Anchovy paste adds depth and classic Caesar flavor, but you can omit it for a milder taste.
- → How can I make the dish vegetarian?
Leave out the chicken and anchovy paste, and substitute with favorite plant-based proteins.
- → Are there any pasta alternatives?
Cheesy tortellini or gluten-free pasta work well for a hearty twist or dietary needs.