Description
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a delicious and hearty dish combining tender cooked chicken, al dente whole wheat pasta, fresh romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy croutons, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, all tossed in a creamy homemade Caesar dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, this salad balances protein, veggies, and carbs with classic Caesar flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces whole wheat fusilli pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 12 ounces cooked chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 romaine lettuce heart, chopped (about 8 ounces)
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- ¾ cup croutons
- â…“ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Homemade Caesar Dressing
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 anchovy fillets, minced (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- â…“ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat fusilli pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions, typically about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside to let it fully cool before assembling the salad. - Prepare Chicken
Cook the chicken breast using your preferred method such as baking in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or using an Instant Pot or slow cooker until fully cooked. Once cooked, let it rest for a few minutes and then cut into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing. - Make Caesar Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together minced garlic, anchovy fillets (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Add mayonnaise and grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust thickness by adding a teaspoon of water if needed. - Assemble Salad
In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, cooked chicken pieces, and croutons. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. - Dress and Serve
Drizzle the homemade Caesar dressing over the salad. Toss gently until all ingredients are well coated. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a lighter dressing, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
- Make sure the pasta is completely cooled to prevent the lettuce from wilting.
- Add extra veggies like cucumbers or red onions for more crunch and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
