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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

The ultimate summer dish, Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines tender pasta, crisp romaine, and savory chicken in a creamy dressing. Perfect for picnics or potlucks, this salad is easy to prepare and sure to satisfy. Make it tonight for a refreshing twist on a classic!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

  • 5 fillets anchovy fillets canned in oil (drained)
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 10 oz dry penne pasta
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce preferably romaine hearts or the center portion
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts grilled, cooled, then chopped
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes halved
  • 3/4 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
  • 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 cups croutons homemade or store-bought
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to thin as needed

Equipment

  • Grater
  • Blender
  • Whisk
  • Chef's Knife
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in salted water according to directions on package. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water and set aside to cool. Drain pasta then transfer to an 18 by 13-inch rimmed baking sheet that's sprayed with non-stick cooking spray or lined with parchment paper and let cool completely.
  2. Mince anchovies and place in a medium mixing bowl, mash to a paste with the back of a spoon. Add in mayonnaise, lemon juice, parmesan, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk to blend. Chill in fridge until ready to use.
  3. Add cooled pasta, lettuce, chicken, tomatoes, and parsley to a large salad bowl. Pour dressing over top and toss to evenly coat, thin mixture with pasta water as needed (it will thicken as it sits).
  4. Add croutons and parmesan and toss a few times to incorporate.

Notes

  • Tip 1: Serve within a few hours of preparing as the lettuce will start to wilt. Keep chilled.
  • Tip 2: You can make the pasta salad in advance just wait to add the croutons and the lettuce. Also set aside 1/4 cup dressing (in the fridge) to toss with the lettuce before adding to the pasta salad.
  • Tip 3: You can thin the pasta salad with a little water the next day before adding the lettuce and croutons.