You Should Be Adding Pasta to Your Chicken Caesar Salad
Think of everything you love about a chicken Caesar salad—juicy chicken, crisp lettuce, crunchy croutons, shaved parmesan, creamy dressing—and add pasta! That's exactly what you'll find in this downright delicious pasta salad recipe. Need to get this salad on the table quickly? Use 2 1/2 cups of your favorite bottled Caesar dressing and some rotisserie chicken and croutons from the grocery store! If chicken isn't your thing, this salad is also scrumptious tossed with grilled shrimp. Make this dish for a delicious packed lunch or carry it along to the next game day tailgate.
What kind of dressing goes into chicken Caesar pasta salad?
Bottled dressing is easy, but this homemade, whisk-together Caesar dressing is worth the effort. This recipe calls for using jarred mayonnaise mixed with garlic, anchovies (optional, but delicious!), capers, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, olive oil, and parmesan cheese to give the dressing that classic, savory Caesar flavor. Whisk in ¼ cup of whole milk to loosen up this thick dressing so that it coats every nook and cranny of the pasta.
Which type of pasta is best for chicken Caesar pasta salad?
Any short pasta shape will do. This recipe calls for small shell pasta, but you could use similar varieties like farfalle (bow ties), rotini, orecchiette.
What kind of chicken goes into this pasta salad?
This recipe calls for three cups of cubed, seared chicken breast. To make the chicken, rub three boneless, skinless chicken breasts with vegetable oil and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Melt two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until deeply golden and the internal temperature is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, five to seven minutes on each side.
Should you let pasta cool before making pasta salad?
Absolutely! The pasta should be cool when you combine it with the dressing and other ingredients. When making any pasta salad, make sure to rinse the pasta with cold water once it's done cooking. This helps cool the pasta, but it also helps prevent the noodles from sticking together.
How long does chicken Caesar pasta salad last in the fridge?
This fully assembled pasta salad should be enjoyed immediately. However, if you'd like to make it ahead, keep the croutons and lettuce separate so they don't become soggy. The rest of the salad will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Simply toss in the croutons and lettuce just before serving.
Yields: 8-10 servings
Prep Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Ingredients
1/2 tsp.
kosher salt, plus more to cook the pasta
1/4 c.
extra-virgin olive oil
4
garlic cloves, finely chopped
4
anchovy filets, rinsed and finely chopped (optional)
2 tbsp.
capers, drained and chopped
2 tbsp.
fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp.
dijon mustard
2 tsp.
Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp.
black pepper, plus more for serving
1 1/2 c.
mayonnaise
1/2 c.
grated parmesan cheese
1/4 c.
whole milk
16 oz.
medium shell pasta
3 c.
diced, cooked chicken
3 c.
sliced romaine lettuce (about 1 heart)
2 c.
store-bought or homemade croutons
1 c.
shaved parmesan, plus more to serve
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, garlic, anchovy filets (if using), capers, lemon juice, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until well combined and smooth. Whisk in the mayonnaise until well combined. Whisk in the grated parmesan and whole milk.
Cook the pasta for 1 minute longer than the package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and let cool.
Place the cooled pasta in the large bowl with the dressing. Add the chicken, lettuce, croutons, and shaved parmesan, folding to combine. Serve immediately with extra black pepper and shaved parmesan.
Tip: If making the salad ahead, keep the croutons and lettuce on the side so they stay extra crunchy! Stir them in right before serving.
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