Fresh and Flavorful Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer Days

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe – When it comes to easy and delicious summer meals, this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad recipe is an absolute winner. Packed with the classic Caesar flavors of Dijon mustard, lemon juice, anchovy paste, and Parmesan cheese, it’s a perfect balance of tangy and savory. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite protein and can be served as a main course or a side dish. Give it a try and taste the summer!

My husband and I absolutely love this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad recipe. We discovered it last summer when we were hosting a small family gathering, and it has been a staple in our household ever since. We love how easy it is to make and how packed with flavor it is. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, which is always a bonus! We’ve served it up at potlucks, BBQs, and even just as a quick and easy dinner on busy weeknights. We can’t get enough of this delicious salad!

Why This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe is a Must-Try for Summer?

• Packed with classic Caesar dressing flavors that are tangy, savory, and delicious
• Easy to customize with your favorite protein, such as shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped chicken breasts
• Perfect as a main course or a side dish at your next BBQ or potluck
• Quick and easy to make, with just 20 minutes from start to finish
• Can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to serve
• Optional croutons and Parmesan cheese add a satisfying crunch to the dish

Ingredients:

For the dressing:

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
• 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the pasta salad:

• 225 grams (8 ounces) of uncooked pasta, such as rotini or penne
• 2 hearts of Romaine lettuce
• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped chicken breasts
• Croutons (optional)
• Parmesan cheese, for serving

Directions:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and anchovy paste until well combined. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper, then set aside.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large serving bowl.

Cut the Romaine hearts into 1-inch pieces, then add them and your protein of choice to the bowl with the pasta.

Add the prepared dressing and toss to combine. Add the croutons (optional) and garnish with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately or refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve.

Notes:

• For a vegetarian option, you can omit the chicken and add some chopped roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant.
• If you’re not a fan of anchovy paste, you can substitute it with 1/2 teaspoon of soy sauce or fish sauce.
• To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and double-check that all of your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

FAQ

• Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

  Yes! The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use. Just give it a good whisk before adding it to the salad.

• What kind of pasta should I use?

  You can use any type of pasta you like, but we recommend using rotini or penne for this recipe. These types of pasta hold the dressing well and provide a good texture for the salad.

• Can I use canned chicken instead of rotisserie or fresh chicken?

  Yes, canned chicken can be used in a pinch, but it may not have the same texture and flavor as fresh or rotisserie chicken. If you do use canned chicken, make sure to drain it well before adding it to the salad.

• Can I substitute anchovy paste with something else?

  If you don’t have anchovy paste or don’t like the taste of anchovies, you can substitute it with a tablespoon of capers or a tablespoon of fish sauce.

• Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

  Absolutely! You can add other vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, or red onion to the salad for extra flavor and nutrition.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

Touria

When it comes to easy and delicious summer meals, this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad recipe is an absolute winner. Packed with the classic Caesar flavors of Dijon mustard, lemon juice, anchovy paste, and Parmesan cheese, it's a perfect balance of tangy and savory.

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Ingredients

  

• For the dressing:
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
• 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the pasta salad:
• 225 grams 8 ounces uncooked pasta, such as rotini or penne
• 2 hearts of Romaine lettuce
• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped chicken breasts
• Croutons optional
• Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and anchovy paste until well combined. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper, then set aside.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large serving bowl.
• Cut the Romaine hearts into 1-inch pieces, then add them and your protein of choice to the bowl with the pasta.
• Add the prepared dressing and toss to combine. Add the croutons (optional) and garnish with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately or refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, you can omit the chicken and add some chopped roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant.
If you're not a fan of anchovy paste, you can substitute it with 1/2 teaspoon of soy sauce or fish sauce.
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and double-check that all of your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.