Description
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines the classic flavors of Caesar dressing with hearty pasta, fresh romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tender cooked chicken. It’s a perfect protein- and vegetable-packed main dish salad that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy. The creamy homemade Caesar dressing, made with mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon, garlic, and Dijon mustard, brings a zesty kick, while optional avocado and crunchy toppings add extra texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon (1 teaspoon zest and ~3 tablespoons juice)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (2-3 teaspoons)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salad
- 8 oz dry fusilli corti bucati pasta or other pasta shape (½ package)
- 6 cups (7 ounces) chopped romaine lettuce or finely chopped kale
- 3 cups (16 ounces) cooked chopped chicken
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced (optional)
- ⅓ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- Optional toppings: roasted chickpeas, toasted pine nuts, raw pumpkin seeds, or croutons
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, ground black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well combined. This dressing can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator to develop more flavor.
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Then drain thoroughly and optionally rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. The cooked pasta can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and refrigerated until ready to assemble the salad.
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooled pasta, chopped romaine lettuce (or kale), cooked chopped chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced avocado if using. Toss gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Add the dressing: Pour the prepared Caesar dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated with the dressing and flavors are well combined.
- Finish and serve: Before serving, sprinkle the shaved Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad. Add any optional toppings such as roasted chickpeas, toasted pine nuts, raw pumpkin seeds, or croutons for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately for best freshness.
Notes
- This recipe turns a classic Caesar salad into a satisfying main dish by adding both chicken and pasta, making it perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner.
- The homemade Caesar dressing features tangy lemon and savory Worcestershire sauce, bringing bright, balanced flavors to the creamy base.
- Optional ingredients like avocado and crunchy toppings can be added or omitted based on preference and dietary needs.
- For a twist, kale can be used instead of romaine for a more robust leafy green option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cups
- Calories: 419
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 56 mg
