Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
A hearty and flavorful pasta salad combining grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and croutons tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus cooling)
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook (except pasta and chicken)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 anchovy fillets, canned in oil (drained)
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 10 oz. Dry penne pasta
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, grilled, cooled, then chopped
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 3/4 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for that fresh garnish and color.
- 2 cups croutons, homemade or store-bought – For crunch!
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, to thin as needed.
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the Caesar dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, anchovies, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, sliced grilled chicken, croutons, and red onion (if using).
- Pour the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle with additional grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- For best results, serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- For a quicker option, use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked grilled chicken strips.
- If making ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss just before serving to prevent the lettuce from wilting.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add chickpeas or grilled tofu.
- Add extra vegetables like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers for more crunch and color.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Find it online: https://us.recipesfood.org/chicken-caesar-pasta-salad/
