Ah, pasta salad—it’s like a party in a bowl! This Quick and Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re on a summer picnic, even if it’s the middle of winter. I remember whipping this up one evening after a long day, the tangy Caesar dressing mingling with the tender chicken and crunchy croutons, creating a symphony of flavors that dances on your taste buds. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and invigorating, perfect for those days when you need a bit of sunshine on your plate.
Steps
- Begin by preparing the dressing: In a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly whisk together Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and anchovy paste until fully blended. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and a quarter teaspoon of pepper, then set the dressing aside.
- Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water, add the pasta, and let it cook until it reaches an al dente texture, approximately 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and move it to a sizable serving bowl.
- Assemble the salad: Chop the Romaine hearts into 1-inch pieces and add them along with your chosen protein to the bowl containing the pasta. Pour in the prepared dressing and mix everything together well.
- Final touches: Optionally, toss in croutons and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese. Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate it covered until you’re ready to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 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 (optional)
- 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (such as rotini or penne)
- 2 hearts of Romaine lettuce
- Shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped chicken breasts
- Croutons (optional)
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
FAQ
- Can I make the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can prepare the dressing and pasta salad components separately and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply mix them together for a fresh taste.
- Is it necessary to use anchovy paste in the dressing?
- The anchovy paste is optional but recommended if you want to give your Caesar dressing its classic flavor boost. However, you can omit it if you prefer a milder taste.
- What can I use as a substitute for rotisserie chicken?
- You can replace rotisserie chicken with any protein of your choice, such as roasted salmon, grilled shrimp, or skirt steak. Alternatively, you can omit the protein for a side salad option.
- How can I make the salad more filling?
- To make the salad more substantial, consider using cheese-filled pasta like tortellini, which adds extra texture and flavor.
- What type of pasta works best for this salad?
- Rotini or penne are great choices for this salad because their shapes hold the dressing well. However, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand.
Tips
- To save time, prepare the Caesar dressing and pasta salad components separately and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine them and enjoy your meal.
- If you’re aiming for an authentic Caesar flavor, include anchovy paste in your dressing, but feel free to skip it if it’s not to your taste.
- For a protein variation, consider adding roasted salmon, grilled shrimp, or skirt steak instead of chicken to diversify the flavors.
- If you want to mix things up, substitute your usual pasta choice with cheesy tortellini for an extra indulgent twist.
Equipment
- Whisk – For mixing the dressing ingredients.
- Large serving bowl – For combining and serving the pasta salad.
- Medium mixing bowl – For preparing the dressing.
- Pasta pot – For boiling pasta.
