Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad blends the classic flavors of Caesar salad with hearty pasta and tender chicken for a satisfying, crowd-friendly dish. It features a creamy Dijon-lemon Caesar dressing, crisp romaine lettuce, croutons for crunch, and shaved Parmesan for a savory finish.
This recipe is ideal for barbecues, potlucks, family gatherings, or simply when you’re craving a refreshing pasta salad. With leftover chicken and your choice of pasta, it comes together easily and delivers the familiar tangy, creamy Caesar taste everyone loves.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with Homemade Dressing
Course: Lunch, Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes10
minutes~400
kcalIngredients
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/3 cup freshly ground Parmesan cheese
(Optional) 1 teaspoon anchovies
- For the Salad
2 romaine hearts, chopped into 1-inch cubes
8 ounces pasta (any type)
About 1 pound or slightly less leftover cooked chicken
A couple tablespoons shaved Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
1½ to 2 cups croutons
Directions
- Make the Dressing
Prepare the dressing by combining Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix the ingredients until well combined and thickened. Set the dressing aside. - Prep the Salad Base
Chop the romaine hearts into 1-inch pieces. Cook and drain the pasta of your choice (8 ounces). Add the lettuce and pasta to a large mixing bowl. - Add Chicken and Croutons
Add the leftover chicken—about one pound or slightly less—into the bowl along with 1½ to 2 cups of croutons. Toss everything gently to begin combining the ingredients. - Add Dressing and Finish
Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta salad and mix to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle a couple tablespoons of shaved Parmesan cheese over the top for garnish. Plate and serve.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Chill the pasta before mixing for the best texture—adding dressing to hot pasta can make it overly soft.
