Description
Classic chicken caesar pasta salad merges Italian-inspired flavors with creamy dressing and crisp romaine. Protein-packed ingredients combine for a satisfying meal perfect for summer gatherings or quick lunches you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (200 g) pasta (rotini, penne, or bowties)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated or shaved
- ½ cup croutons
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsps lemon juice
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 23 tbsps water (to thin, if necessary)
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Cook pasta in heavily salted boiling water until al dente, then thoroughly rinse under cold water and drain completely to halt cooking process.
- Caesar Dressing Creation: Whisk mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic together, gradually adding water to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Ingredient Composition: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, and halved cherry tomatoes, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Flavor Infusion: Pour prepared Caesar dressing over the salad mixture, gently tossing to coat each component thoroughly and create a harmonious flavor profile.
- Final Presentation: Garnish with additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese and crisp croutons, serving immediately or chilling for up to two hours to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
Notes
Rinse Pasta Thoroughly: Use cold water to stop cooking process and prevent pasta from becoming mushy, ensuring a perfect al dente texture.
Balance Dressing Consistency: Add water gradually to create a smooth, pourable Caesar dressing that coats ingredients evenly without becoming too thin or thick.
Prep Ingredients in Advance: Shred chicken, chop lettuce, and slice tomatoes beforehand to streamline assembly and reduce last-minute kitchen stress.
Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap regular pasta for gluten-free options, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, or add grilled tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg