Description
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a vibrant, creamy, and satisfying dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Featuring tender cooked chicken, al dente pasta, fresh romaine lettuce, and a tangy Caesar dressing made with mayonnaise, Parmesan, and lemon juice, it’s a delicious twist on the classic Caesar salad. The addition of garlicky breadcrumbs adds a delightful crunch, while fresh parsley brings a pop of color and freshness. Serve it chilled and enjoy a refreshing and hearty salad that’s easy to prepare in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed or sliced
- 8 oz pasta (penne, bowtie, or fusilli), cooked al dente
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup garlicky breadcrumbs or crushed croutons
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
- Olive oil (to emulsify, amount as needed)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts as desired and cook them by grilling, baking, or pan-frying until they are fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Allow the chicken to cool slightly, then cube or slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare Lettuce: Wash and thoroughly dry the romaine lettuce. Chop it into bite-sized pieces to ensure easy eating and mixing in the salad.
- Make Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and anchovy paste if using. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify the dressing and achieve a creamy consistency.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, chicken pieces, chopped romaine lettuce, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Add Crunch and Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle the garlicky breadcrumbs or crushed croutons over the salad for added texture. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley to brighten the dish.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled. Optionally, you can garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Anchovy paste is optional but adds authentic Caesar flavor.
- Use freshly cooked pasta and chicken for best texture, but leftover cooked chicken works well too.
- To make garlicky breadcrumbs, toast breadcrumbs with minced garlic in olive oil until golden.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
- If storing, keep garlicky breadcrumbs separate until just before serving to maintain crunch.
