Print

Chicken Caesar Pasta Sala Recipe

Chicken Caesar Pasta Sala Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 16 reviews

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a delicious and hearty twist on the classic Caesar salad, combining tender, seasoned chicken breasts with al dente pasta, crisp romaine lettuce, and a creamy homemade Caesar dressing. Enhanced with Parmesan cheese and crunchy croutons, this salad is perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner that balances fresh vegetables, protein, and flavorful dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 1.5 lb chicken breasts, boneless & skinless (thighs can also be used)
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp dried dill
  • ½ tsp garlic powder

Caesar Salad

  • 6–8 oz pasta (cellentani, penne, or bowtie)
  • 2 heads romaine lettuce, sliced (about 6–8 cups)
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
  • ⅓ cup croutons or bread crumbs

Caesar Dressing

  • ¾ cup mayonnaise (more as needed)
  • 3 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 Tbsp capers and brine
  • 3 Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2–3 Tbsp water (to thin the dressing as needed)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling the pasta according to package instructions, which usually takes about 20 minutes. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, dried dill, and garlic powder. Slice the breasts in half to speed up cooking. Heat a greased pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 8-10 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Then set aside and let it rest.
  3. Make the Caesar Dressing: In a small food processor, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, capers and their brine, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Taste the dressing, then adjust seasoning by adding more salt, capers, or mayonnaise if it’s too thin. Add water a tablespoon at a time to thin the dressing for easier spreading.
  4. Assemble the Salad: Slice the rested chicken into cubes. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sliced romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and chicken cubes. Add three-quarters of the Caesar dressing and toss well to coat everything evenly.
  5. Add Crunch and Serve: Gently fold in the croutons or bread crumbs for extra texture just before serving. Add more dressing to taste if desired. Serve immediately for the freshest texture and flavor. Enjoy your Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad!

Notes

  • Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy; use a digital meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165ºF internally.
  • Taste the homemade dressing as you prepare it and adjust salt or capers to suit your preference.
  • Add the dressing only at serving time to prevent the romaine lettuce from becoming soggy.
  • To make the salad healthier, omit the Parmesan cheese and croutons to reduce calories while maintaining great flavor.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, Caesar salad with chicken, pasta salad with Caesar dressing, easy chicken salad, healthy pasta salad, homemade Caesar dressing

Find it online: https://dinewithlily.com/chicken-caesar-pasta-sala-recipe/