Description
Classic chicken caesar pasta salad delivers creamy, tangy goodness perfect for summer gatherings. Fresh ingredients and zesty dressing make this dish a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (200 g) chicken breast, cooked and shredded or diced
- 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 cups (200 g) pasta (rotini, penne, or bowties)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- ½ cup croutons
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated or shaved
- 2 tbsps lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsps Dijon mustard
- 2 tsps Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2–3 tbsps water (to thin, if necessary)
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a vigorous boil. Immerse pasta and cook until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Spread pasta to cool and prevent sticking.
- Dressing Creation: Whisk mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Gradually add water to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency that will elegantly coat ingredients.
- Salad Assembly: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, shredded chicken, romaine lettuce, and cherry tomatoes. Gently drizzle Caesar dressing over the mixture, tossing to ensure even coating and distribution of flavors.
- Finishing Touches: Sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and croutons over the salad for added texture and depth. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to two hours to allow flavors to harmonize and intensify.
Notes
- Pasta Perfection: Ensure pasta is al dente by testing for a slight firmness when biting, preventing mushy texture and maintaining optimal pasta quality.
- Dressing Consistency: Gradually add water to Caesar dressing, creating a silky smooth sauce that coats ingredients evenly without becoming too runny or thick.
- Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate salad for 30-60 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to marinate and develop deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
- Protein Flexibility: Swap chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or rotisserie chicken for varied protein options that suit different dietary preferences and taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg