Description
Summer gatherings sparkle with this zesty Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, blending crisp romaine, tender chicken, and creamy dressing. Fresh herbs and parmesan cheese elevate the classic dish, promising a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
Salad Toppings:
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated or shaved
- ½ cup croutons
Dressing Ingredients:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 23 tablespoons water (to thin, if necessary)
Instructions
- Perfectly prepare pasta in a generously salted boiling water bath, cooking until it reaches the ideal al dente texture with a slight firmness to the bite.
- Rapidly cool the cooked pasta by thoroughly rinsing under cold water, then allow to drain completely in a colander.
- Craft a luxurious Caesar dressing by vigorously whisking together creamy mayonnaise, sharp Parmesan, tangy lemon juice, robust Dijon mustard, savory Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic.
- Gradually incorporate water, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency that will elegantly coat each ingredient.
- Transform a spacious mixing bowl into a canvas for your culinary creation by layering tender cooked pasta, succulent shredded chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, and vibrant cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle the meticulously prepared Caesar dressing over the salad components, then gently toss to ensure every morsel is lavishly coated with flavor.
- Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and textural complexity by sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese and crunchy croutons across the surface just moments before serving.
- For optimal enjoyment, serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for up to two hours to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
Notes
- Swap grilled or rotisserie chicken for a quick protein boost that adds smoky flavor and reduces cooking time.
- Replace regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions and increase nutritional value.
- Chill ingredients beforehand to maintain crisp lettuce texture and prevent wilting when mixing the salad.
- Add extra crunch by mixing in toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for a delightful textural contrast and nutty undertone.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg