Make this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad for an amazing lunch that combines creamy Caesar flavor with satisfying pasta and grilled chicken. It is perfect for a quick, delicious meal.
Author:Lena Walker
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Total Time:25 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Salad
Method:Cold preparation
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound short pasta (like rotini or penne)
2 cups cooked, chopped chicken breast
1 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup croutons
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to cool it quickly. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and garlic powder until smooth. This is your dressing base.
Add the cooled pasta and the chopped cooked chicken to the dressing mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Fold in the croutons and fresh parsley. Mix just a few times to keep the croutons from getting too soggy.
Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors blend nicely.
Serve cold and enjoy your flavorful lunch!
Notes
You can grill or bake the chicken ahead of time to save prep time.
For extra crunch, add a few slices of cooked, crumbled bacon.
If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the dressing mixture.
Keep the croutons separate if you plan to eat this salad over several days; add them just before serving each portion.