Description
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that perfectly marries the classic flavors of Caesar salad with tender pasta and protein-rich chicken. Ideal for warm days, picnics, or family dinners, this chilled pasta salad is both quick to prepare and deliciously versatile. Each bite delivers a delightful crunch from crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and savory chicken, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6–8 oz pasta (cellentani, penne, or bowtie)
- 2 heads romaine lettuce (sliced)
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 3 Tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup croutons or bread crumbs
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried dill
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 Tbsp capers and brine
- 3 Tbsp dijon mustard
- ½ Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2–3 Tbsp water (just to thin the dressing to spread easily)
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot; add salt and cook the pasta according to package instructions (about 20 minutes). Drain and cool under cold water.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dill, and garlic powder. Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Let rest before slicing.
- In a food processor, blend mayonnaise, lemon juice, capers with brine, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and water until smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, sliced romaine lettuce, cubed chicken, parmesan cheese, and most of the dressing. Toss gently to coat. Add croutons just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg