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Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Chicken Caesar pasta salad - featured image
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This creamy chicken Caesar pasta salad combines juicy chicken, crunchy romaine, and tender pasta tossed in a rich homemade Caesar dressing. Perfect for summer dinners, potlucks, or quick weeknight meals, it’s hearty, refreshing, and easy to customize.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz penne or rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
  • 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz), cooked and sliced or diced
  • 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup croutons, store-bought or homemade
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2–3 tbsp milk or water, to thin dressing as needed

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 9-11 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-cook over medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice or dice.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard. Add salt and pepper to taste. Thin with milk or water as needed until creamy and pourable.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped chicken, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, shaved Parmesan, croutons, and red onion (if using).
  5. Pour dressing over salad and toss with tongs until evenly coated.
  6. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top, add extra croutons and Parmesan shavings as garnish.
  7. Serve immediately, or chill for 30 minutes for a colder salad.

Notes

For extra juicy chicken, marinate in olive oil and lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking. Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep. Toss salad with half the dressing first, then add more as needed. Add croutons just before serving to keep them crunchy. For gluten-free, use chickpea or lentil pasta. Salad can be made ahead; keep dressing and salad separate until serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken caesar pasta salad, summer salad, creamy pasta salad, easy dinner, potluck recipe, picnic salad, Caesar dressing, chicken salad, pasta salad

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/creamy-chicken-caesar-pasta-salad-recipe-for-easy-summer-dinners/