Description
A refreshing and hearty Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combining tender rotini pasta, lemon-pepper seasoned chicken breast, crisp Romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy seasoned croutons, and a creamy homemade Caesar dressing topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 lb. cooked chicken breast, sliced or diced (seasoned with lemon-pepper seasoning)
- 3 large heads Romaine lettuce (rinsed, dried, then chopped)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (sliced)
- 1 cup seasoned croutons
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Homemade Caesar Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons anchovy paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil rotini pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the noodles.
- Prepare Salad Base: In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked and lemon-pepper seasoned chicken breast, and sliced cherry tomatoes. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Add Fresh Ingredients and Dressing: When ready to serve, add the chopped Romaine lettuce and seasoned croutons to the bowl. Pour in your desired amount of homemade Caesar dressing and gently toss all ingredients to combine evenly.
- Top and Serve: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the salad as a finishing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy this flavorful chicken Caesar pasta salad.
- Make Caesar Dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, anchovy paste, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken as a convenient shortcut to save time.
- Adjust the amount of anchovy paste to your taste preference or omit for a milder dressing.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days for best freshness.
- Add extra veggies like cucumbers or red onions for more crunch and flavor.
