Pin it
This hearty Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines the classic flavors of Caesar salad with pasta and protein for a complete meal in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this versatile dish has become my go-to solution when I need something substantial yet refreshing.
I first created this recipe during a particularly busy week when I needed something that could pull double duty as dinner and next-day lunch. My family was so impressed with how restaurant-quality it tasted that it's now in our regular rotation, especially during summer.
Ingredients
- Dijon mustard: adds a subtle tang and helps emulsify the dressing
- Fresh lemon juice: provides brightness and acidity
- Worcestershire sauce: brings depth and umami flavor
- Mayonnaise: creates the creamy base for the dressing
- Minced garlic: infuses the dressing with aromatic flavor
- Anchovy paste: delivers that classic Caesar flavor without dealing with whole anchovies
- Parmesan cheese: adds nutty saltiness to both dressing and garnish
- Pasta: like rotini or penne catches maximum dressing in its grooves
- Romaine lettuce: provides the classic Caesar crunch
- Rotisserie chicken: offers convenience and protein
- Croutons: add delightful texture contrast
- Additional Parmesan: for serving enhances the flavor profile
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Caesar dressing:
- Whisk together Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and anchovy paste until completely smooth. This forms the flavorful base of your dressing. Take your time with this step to ensure everything is well incorporated. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper, then set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add about a tablespoon of salt. The water should taste like the sea for properly seasoned pasta. Add your pasta of choice and cook just until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes depending on the shape. Be careful not to overcook as the pasta will continue to absorb dressing. Drain thoroughly but do not rinse to help the dressing adhere better.
- Prepare the vegetables and protein:
- While the pasta cooks, cut your Romaine hearts into approximately 1-inch pieces. The ideal pieces should be substantial enough to stand up to the pasta but small enough to eat easily. If using rotisserie chicken, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. For chicken breasts, ensure they're fully cooked and chopped into chunks that match the pasta size for consistent bites.
- Combine and serve:
- In a large serving bowl, combine the still-warm pasta, chopped Romaine, and chicken. Pour the prepared dressing over everything and toss thoroughly to coat each piece. The warm pasta will slightly wilt the Romaine and absorb some dressing. Add croutons just before serving to maintain their crunch, and finish with a generous sprinkling of additional Parmesan cheese.
Pin it
The anchovy paste in this recipe is my secret weapon. Many people think they dislike anchovies, but this small amount adds incredible depth without any fishiness. When my niece who claims to hate anchovies raved about this dressing, I smiled knowingly but kept my secret ingredient to myself.
Make It Your Own
This Caesar pasta salad is incredibly versatile. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or artichoke hearts. The dressing works beautifully with these additions. You could also swap in cannellini beans or chickpeas for plant-based protein.
Storage Tips
The assembled salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For best results when meal prepping, consider storing the dressing separately and combining just before eating. The Romaine will stay crisper this way. If you've already dressed the salad, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten it up when serving leftovers.
Serving Suggestions
While delicious on its own as a complete meal, this salad pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a simple soup for dinner. For entertaining, I often serve it alongside grilled salmon or steak for an impressive yet effortless spread. In summer months, it makes the perfect accompaniment to anything from the grill and travels well to picnics and potlucks.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or even cheesy tortellini works well in this dish.
- → What substitutes can I use for anchovy paste?
You can replace anchovy paste with mashed anchovies, capers, or simply omit it for a milder flavor.
- → Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prepare all components separately and combine them just before serving to keep the salad fresh.
- → Are there vegetarian options for this salad?
Swap the chicken with roasted chickpeas, tofu, or a mix of grilled vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but keep dressing separate for best texture.