Description
Crisp romaine and tender chicken dance together in this classic Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, creating a Mediterranean-inspired symphony of flavors. Parmesan shavings and zesty dressing elevate each bite, promising a refreshing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Seasonings:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken breasts, boneless & skinless
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salad Base:
- 6–8 ounces (170–226 grams) pasta (cellentani, penne or bow tie)
- 2 heads romaine lettuce, sliced (about 6–8 cups)
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) parmesan
- 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) croutons or bread crumbs
Caesar Dressing:
- 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) capers and brine
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) dijon mustard
- 1/2 tablespoon (7.5 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 milliliters) water
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to halt cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Create creamy caesar dressing by blending garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, dijon mustard, and mayonnaise until smooth and well-integrated.
- Allow chicken and pasta to cool completely to room temperature, preventing wilting of lettuce and maintaining crisp textures.
- Chop cooled chicken into bite-sized cubes and tear romaine lettuce into rustic pieces.
- Combine pasta, chicken, lettuce, and grated parmesan cheese in a large mixing bowl. Gently toss with three-quarters of prepared dressing.
- Transfer salad to serving platter, drizzle remaining dressing over top, and sprinkle crunchy croutons for added texture and classic caesar flavor.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and salad to chill thoroughly.
Notes
- Perfectly Time Pasta Ensure al dente texture by checking package timing and immediately rinsing with cold water to stop cooking process.
- Seasoning Secret Use garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for deeper chicken flavor before cooking to enhance overall taste profile.
- Dressing Flexibility Customize Caesar dressing thickness by gradually adding mayo or water, tasting as you blend for ideal consistency.
- Diet-Friendly Swaps Replace regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options, use grilled chicken breast for lean protein, and substitute Greek yogurt in dressing for lower-calorie alternative.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg