This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines the creamy, tangy flavors of a classic Caesar salad with tender pasta and juicy grilled chicken for a hearty and refreshing dish. Perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or even a full meal, this salad is easy to make and full of delicious textures.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie)
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced or chopped
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- ½ cup croutons
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Caesar Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil.
- Grill or pan-sear over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side, until cooked through.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes (if using), croutons, Parmesan cheese, and sliced chicken.
- Drizzle with Caesar dressing and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and croutons for added crunch.
Tips & Variations
- Make it lighter: Use grilled shrimp or turkey instead of chicken.
- Add more veggies: Try cucumbers, bell peppers, or avocado.
- Make it extra creamy: Mix in an extra spoon of Greek yogurt.
- Meal prep tip: Keep the dressing separate and add it before serving to prevent soggy lettuce.
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion!
