Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

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Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad – A Fresh and Hearty Summer Favorite

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a satisfying twist on a classic Caesar salad – loaded with juicy chicken, al dente pasta, crisp romaine, and a creamy homemade dressing. It’s the perfect dish for a light lunch, picnic, or summer gathering.

If you love Caesar salad and also adore pasta dishes, this fusion recipe is your new go-to. Combining the savory, creamy flavor of Caesar dressing with tender pieces of seasoned chicken, pasta, and crunchy vegetables, this salad brings a delightful mix of textures and flavors in every bite. It’s simple, fresh, and completely satisfying.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

  • 10 ounces pasta, cooked al dente (Cellentani, rotini, or penne work well)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded (grilled or roasted preferred)
  • 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ cup green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce, washed and dried
  • 2 cups croutons, store-bought or homemade
  • ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

For the Caesar Dressing:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise (use a high-quality brand like Best Foods or Hellmann’s)
  • ⅓ cup sour cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 teaspoons anchovy paste (optional but traditional)
  • 1½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

Use pre-cooked grilled or roasted chicken for convenience. If cooking from scratch, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. Sear in a skillet over medium heat until golden and fully cooked. Let cool slightly before dicing or shredding.

3. Make the Caesar Dressing:

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, anchovy paste (if using), Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

4. Assemble the Pasta Salad Base:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced green onions. Mix gently to combine. Chill the bowl in the refrigerator if not serving immediately.

5. Final Assembly and Serving:

Right before serving, add the chopped romaine lettuce to the bowl with the pasta mixture. Pour the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss everything together until evenly coated. Sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese and scatter the croutons on top for crunch.

Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and best texture.

Serving Tips

  • This pasta salad can be served cold or at room temperature, making it a great make-ahead dish for potlucks or picnics.
  • For added flavor and a pop of freshness, sprinkle with extra lemon zest or fresh parsley before serving.
  • Croutons should be added just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the croutons separate to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 706 kcal
  • Protein: 33 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fat: 50 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Cholesterol: 106 mg
  • Sodium: 1412 mg
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugar: 4 g

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a meal in itself – flavorful, easy to prepare, and perfect for any season. With its creamy dressing and wholesome ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

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