Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a refreshing, flavorful dish that perfectly combines tender grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, al dente pasta, crunchy croutons, and a creamy homemade Caesar dressing. Ideal for a quick lunch or a crowd-pleasing potluck, it’s a balanced meal packed with protein and vibrant textures that satisfy every time.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta, cooled
- 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced or cubed
- 1 cup croutons
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Dressing Ingredients (Homemade Option)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp anchovy paste (optional)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook and cool the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down for the salad.
- Prepare the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Grill or pan-sear until cooked through, then slice or cube into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the greens: Wash and chop the romaine lettuce into medium-sized pieces that provide a satisfying crunch.
- Mix the dressing: If using store-bought Caesar dressing, stir well to combine. For homemade dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, anchovy paste, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and freshly grated Parmesan until creamy.
- Combine all ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta, chicken, romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese with enough dressing to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve chilled, garnished with extra Parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, and lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a richer flavor and better melting into the dressing.
- Add dressing gradually to avoid overdressing and sogginess.
- Allow pasta to cool completely before combining to keep the lettuce crisp.
- Toast homemade croutons with garlic and herbs for a flavorful crunch.
- Marinate chicken briefly in dressing before cooking for extra flavor infusion.
Keywords: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, Grilled Chicken Salad, Pasta Salad, Caesar Dressing Salad, Summer Salad, Easy Lunch
Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/chicken-caesar-pasta-salad-recipe/
