Who knew a salad could be so comforting? This Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is like a cozy sweater on a chilly afternoon, bringing together tender chicken, crisp romaine, and pasta (because who doesn’t love pasta? ) into a delightful medley.
My cat, Buttons, always seems to know when I’m making it—she’s a fan of the chicken bits! So, grab your favorite fork and prepare for a salad that feels like a hug.
Steps
- Begin by preparing the dressing: In a bowl, mix together Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and optional anchovy paste. Stir in finely grated Parmesan cheese and pepper, then set the mixture aside.
- Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water, add the pasta, and cook until al dente, approximately 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and place it in a large serving bowl.
- Prepare the salad ingredients: Chop the Romaine hearts into 1-inch pieces and add them to the bowl with the pasta. Include shredded rotisserie chicken or another preferred protein.
- Combine the salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and salad mixture, tossing everything together until well coated. Optionally, add croutons and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese.
- Serve the salad immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. For a variation, try using cheesy tortellini instead of regular pasta.
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 oz. 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 without anchovy paste?
- Yes, you can omit the anchovy paste if you prefer. While it adds a distinct flavor to the Caesar dressing, the salad will still be delicious without it.
- What are some alternative proteins I can use instead of chicken?
- You can substitute the chicken with roasted salmon, grilled shrimp, or skirt steak for a different twist on the salad.
- How can I save time when preparing this salad?
- To save time, prepare the dressing and salad components separately in advance and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine and toss them together.
- Can I make this salad a day ahead?
- Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. Keep the dressing and salad components separate in the refrigerator and mix them just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?
- Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding more vegetables or a plant-based protein like tofu for a vegetarian version of this salad.
Tips
- To save time, prepare the dressing and salad ingredients separately in advance. Store them in the fridge, and combine them just before serving for a quick meal.
- Enhance the flavor of your Caesar dressing by whisking in grated Parmesan cheese, which adds a rich, savory boost.
- For a protein variation, consider substituting the chicken with roasted salmon, grilled shrimp, or skirt steak to suit different tastes.
- Experiment with different pasta types, such as cheesy tortellini, to add a unique twist to the traditional pasta salad.
Equipment
- Whisk – Useful for mixing the dressing ingredients thoroughly.
- Large Pot – For boiling pasta. If you don’t have a large enough pot, it might be necessary to purchase one.
- Colander – For draining the cooked pasta.
- Large Salad Bowl – Essential for mixing and serving the pasta salad.
- Chef’s Knife – For chopping Romaine hearts and other optional proteins like rotisserie chicken.
