Simple Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Simple Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines all the classic flavors of Caesar salad with the hearty twist of pasta and rotisserie chicken. It’s a creamy, tangy, and satisfying dish perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Ready in just a few easy steps, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• For the dressing:
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise (preferably Hellmann’s)
• 1 tsp anchovy paste
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• Black pepper to taste
• For the salad:
• 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
• 2 romaine hearts, chopped
• 1 lb rotisserie chicken, shredded or diced
• For serving:
• Croutons (optional)
• Extra Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste, and minced garlic until well combined. Stir in the mayonnaise until smooth, then fold in the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with black pepper to taste.
2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente, about 10 minutes or according to package instructions. Drain and rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking. Spread out on a plate or sheet pan to cool.
3. Step 3: While the pasta cools, shred or dice the rotisserie chicken into 1-inch chunks, removing skin if desired. Chop the romaine hearts into bite-sized pieces, discarding any tough outer leaves.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, shredded chicken, and cooled pasta. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or plates. Top with croutons if using and sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture in the dressing.
• Substitute grilled chicken for rotisserie chicken for a different twist.
• Add cherry tomatoes or cucumbers for extra freshness and color.
• For a lighter dressing, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the dressing contains mayonnaise, it’s best enjoyed fresh. Toss before serving and add extra croutons just before to keep them crunchy. Reheat is not recommended, but you can serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. To keep the greens crisp, add the croutons just before serving.

What can I use instead of anchovy paste?

If you don’t have anchovy paste, you can substitute with a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or omit it altogether, though the dressing will have a slightly different flavor.

Simple Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 147 reviews

This Simple Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines tender rotini pasta, shredded rotisserie chicken, and crisp romaine lettuce all tossed in a creamy, tangy homemade Caesar dressing. Enhanced with fresh garlic, anchovy paste for depth, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice, this salad is perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Optional croutons add a delightful crunch, while extra Parmesan on top provides that classic Caesar flavor.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dressing:

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise (preferably Hellmann’s)
• 1 tsp anchovy paste
• 2 tsp minced garlic (freshly minced)
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• Black pepper to taste

For the Salad:

• 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
• 2 romaine hearts, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 lb rotisserie chicken, shredded or diced into 1-inch chunks

For Serving:

• Croutons (optional)
• Extra Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Caesar Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste, and minced garlic until well combined. Stir in mayonnaise until smooth and creamy, then fold in finely grated Parmesan cheese. Season with black pepper to taste. Making the dressing first allows the flavors to meld.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add rotini or penne pasta. Cook until just al dente, about 10 minutes or according to package instructions. Drain and rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking and remove starch. Spread the pasta on a plate or sheet pan to cool.
3. Prepare the Chicken and Romaine: While pasta cools, shred or dice rotisserie chicken, removing skin if desired. Chop romaine hearts into bite-sized pieces, discarding outer tough leaves and rinsing if necessary.
4. Assemble and Dress the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped romaine, shredded chicken, and cooled pasta. Pour the Caesar dressing over the mixture and toss thoroughly until everything is evenly coated, scraping the bottom of the bowl to incorporate all dressing.
5. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the dressed salad to a serving bowl or plates. Top with croutons if desired and sprinkle generously with extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

• For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and freshly squeezed lemon juice in the dressing.
• The anchovy paste is key to achieving the authentic Caesar taste but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
• Chilling the cooked pasta before assembling prevents wilting the romaine lettuce.
• Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or substitute with cooked, shredded chicken breast if preferred.
• Add croutons just before serving to maintain their crunchiness.

Keywords: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, Caesar pasta salad, Easy chicken salad, Rotisserie chicken salad, Creamy Caesar dressing, Pasta salad recipe