Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is the kind of dish I crave when I want something refreshing, hearty and full of flavor all at once. Between the savory grilled chicken, the creamy dressing, those crunchy croutons and sweet cherry tomatoes, every bite is satisfying and just perfect for a family dinner or weekday lunch.

My favorite part about this salad is how cheerful it feels on the table I first made it for a baby shower and it has been a family request ever since Everyone seems to love it even the picky eaters

Ingredients

• Rotini pasta: for a chewy base and it holds the dressing so well Use a bronze cut pasta for the best texture and look for ones without too many broken pieces
• Cooked chicken breast: grilled or rotisserie for flavor and ease Lemon pepper seasoning really takes it up a notch Fresh chicken will taste even juicier than prepackaged types
• Romaine lettuce: for crunch and freshness Make sure the leaves are crisp and vibrant green
• Cherry tomatoes: sliced sweet and juicy for pops of color Choose ripe but firm tomatoes for the best bite
• Seasoned croutons: for a satisfying crunch Look for larger pieces with herby flavor
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: for rich salty taste Use real Parmigiano Reggiano if you can and avoid pre shredded tubs for best flavor

Homemade Caesar Dressing

• Light mayonnaise: for a creamy yet light base Go for a good quality one to keep the dressing smooth
• Sour cream: adds tang and silkiness Full fat gives a thicker texture but light is fine too
• Garlic: minced for punch Look for plump cloves with tight skin
• Fresh lemon juice: for brightness and a touch of acidity Roll the lemon before squeezing to get more juice
• Anchovy paste: for savory depth Even if you are hesitant it truly makes the dressing taste restaurant worthy
• Worcestershire sauce: adds umami Make sure the bottle is fresh for bold flavor
• Dijon mustard: gives a little sharpness for balance Use a creamy style if possible
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: for extra creaminess
• Salt and black pepper: to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a generous pot of water to a boil Add rotini and cook until just al dente about 8 to 9 minutes Stir occasionally to prevent sticking Once done drain the pasta then rinse it thoroughly with cold water to cool and stop the cooking process This step helps the salad stay fresh and the pasta from getting mushy

Prepare the Chicken:

Season two chicken breasts with lemon pepper then cook in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat until golden and cooked through about 6 to 7 minutes per side Let rest for a few minutes then slice or dice into bite sized pieces For a shortcut shred a store bought rotisserie chicken

Mix the Ingredients:

In a large bowl combine cooled pasta cooked chicken and sliced cherry tomatoes Stir these together gently and refrigerate until you are ready to assemble the full salad Keeping these cold helps the lettuce stay crisp later

Make the Dressing:

Whisk together mayonnaise sour cream minced garlic lemon juice anchovy paste Worcestershire sauce Dijon mustard grated Parmesan salt and pepper Keep whisking until smooth creamy and no streaks remain Cover and refrigerate to let flavors meld

Assemble the Salad:

When ready to serve toss chopped romaine lettuce pasta mixture and croutons in a wide salad bowl Drizzle with as much or as little Caesar dressing as you like Use clean hands or large tongs to gently toss so everything is coated well

Finish and Serve:

Sprinkle generously with more freshly grated Parmesan Serve immediately for best crunch and freshness

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The homemade Caesar dressing is my MVP here I remember making it fresh for a family reunion and even people who swore off anything with anchovy loved how flavorful it turned out My kids get excited helping whisk the dressing by hand and it often becomes a mini kitchen event

Storage Tips

If you want leftovers keep the lettuce and croutons separate from the pasta chicken mixture and store the dressing in a jar Everything will stay crisp and tasty for up to two days Assembled salad will soften quickly so just toss right before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

No rotini on hand Try penne fusilli or bowtie pasta which all hold dressing well If you are not a fan of Caesar dressing use your favorite ranch For extra crunch try adding sliced cucumbers or even roasted chickpeas in place of croutons

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Serving Suggestions

This salad works beautifully as a light meal on its own or as a hearty side with pizza soup or even grilled steak I often bring it to summer barbecues and serve with garlic bread for a super satisfying spread

A Little History

The Caesar salad itself is rumored to be created by Italian American restaurateur Caesar Cardini in the 1920s in Tijuana Mexico The twist of adding pasta and chicken makes this a uniquely American weeknight favorite that continues to please all ages

Commonly Asked Questions

→ Can I use store-bought dressing instead of homemade?

Absolutely! Bottled Caesar dressing works well, especially if you're in a hurry. Brianna's brand is a popular favorite, but any variety you like will do.

→ What type of chicken works best?

Grilled chicken breasts seasoned with lemon-pepper add great flavor. However, rotisserie chicken is a convenient option and equally delicious.

→ How do I keep the lettuce crisp?

Make sure to rinse, dry, and chop romaine lettuce just before serving. Wait to toss with dressing until you're ready to eat for best texture.

→ Can I substitute ranch dressing?

If Caesar isn't your favorite, ranch dressing is a tasty alternative that works well with the other salad ingredients.

→ What other pasta shapes can I use?

Rotini works well, but penne, fusilli, or farfalle are great choices too. Just cook pasta al dente for the best texture.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

For best freshness, store components separately in the fridge. Combine just before serving; dressed salad may keep for a day.