Chicken Caesar pasta salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a delicious and hearty twist on the classic Caesar salad. With tender chicken, crispy romaine, and flavorful Caesar dressing, it’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a potluck.

Ingredients:

• For the Salad:
  • 2 cups cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or your favorite)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup croutons
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• For the Caesar Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2-4 tablespoons water (to thin the dressing if necessary)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   • If not already cooked, season chicken breast with salt and pepper and cook in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Allow to cool and then dice or shred.
3. Make the Caesar Dressing:
   • In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic.
   • Whisk until smooth. Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches your desired consistency.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the Salad:
   • In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onion, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese.
   • Pour the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Serve:
   • Serve the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving to let the flavors meld.

Tips:

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the components of the salad (chicken, pasta, dressing) ahead of time and store them separately. Combine just before serving.
• Add-ins: Customize your salad with additional ingredients such as bacon bits, hard-boiled eggs, or avocado slices.
• Dressing: Use your favorite store-bought Caesar dressing if you prefer a quicker option.
• Grill the Chicken: For extra flavor, grill the chicken breasts instead of cooking them in a skillet.

Enjoy your tasty and satisfying Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad!