Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a quick, satisfying dish made with pasta, romaine, chicken, Parmesan, and a creamy homemade Caesar dressing. It is ideal for lunch, dinner, or casual entertaining.
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Servings: 10
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
- 8 oz. uncooked pasta such as rotini or penne
- 2 hearts of Romaine chopped into 1-inch pieces
- Shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped cooked chicken breasts
- Croutons optional
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Dressing
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and anchovy paste until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Stir in the finely grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper.
- Set the dressing aside while you prepare the pasta salad.
Prepare the Pasta Salad
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions, about 10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta thoroughly, then transfer it to a large serving bowl.
- Add the chopped Romaine and the shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped cooked chicken breasts to the bowl with the pasta.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until evenly coated.
- If desired, add croutons for additional texture.
- Garnish with Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
To make this recipe gluten free, use a certified gluten-free pasta in place of traditional pasta. Replace the croutons with gluten-free croutons or omit them entirely. Also confirm that the Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste, mayonnaise, and Parmesan cheese you use are certified gluten free, as ingredient formulations can vary by brand. To avoid cross-contamination, prepare the salad using clean utensils and cookware if serving someone with a strict gluten-free diet.