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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 6 reviews

A refreshing and hearty Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combining tender rotini pasta, crisp Romaine lettuce, and flavorful shredded chicken, all tossed in a creamy, tangy Caesar dressing made with Dijon mustard, lemon juice, anchovy paste, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick lunch, picnic, or light dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Dressing

  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
  • 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Pasta Salad

  • 8 oz. uncooked pasta (rotini or penne)
  • 2 hearts of Romaine lettuce
  • 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped cooked chicken breasts
  • 1 cup croutons (optional)
  • Additional Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

  1. Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and anchovy paste until smooth and well combined. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Set the dressing aside while preparing the salad to allow the flavors to meld.
  2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and transfer it to a large serving bowl.
  3. Prepare the vegetables and protein: Wash and dry the Romaine lettuce, then chop the hearts into roughly 1-inch pieces. Add the chopped Romaine and the shredded rotisserie or cooked chicken into the bowl with the pasta.
  4. Toss the salad: Pour the prepared Caesar dressing over the pasta, lettuce, and chicken. Toss gently but thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly. Add croutons if using, and sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over the top.
  5. Serve or store: The salad can be served immediately for maximum freshness and crunch. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days before serving, allowing the flavors to blend but noting the croutons may soften.

Notes

  • Anchovy paste adds authentic Caesar flavor, but can be omitted for a milder taste or substituted with caper juice for a similar umami effect.
  • For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and reduce the amount of dressing slightly.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor; pre-grated cheese can make dressing grainy.
  • Pasta can be cooked ahead of time and cooled quickly to speed up preparation.
  • Adding croutons just before serving preserves their crunchiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, Caesar dressing, pasta salad, rotini salad, chicken salad, easy summer salad

Find it online: https://topreci.com/chicken-caesar-pasta-salad-recipe/