Description
This Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines the classic flavors of Caesar salad with hearty pasta and protein-rich chicken, creating a delicious, satisfying main dish. The creamy homemade dressing, made with mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon, and garlic, coats fusilli pasta, crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tender chicken, resulting in a refreshing salad perfect for lunch or dinner. Optional avocado and crunchy toppings like roasted chickpeas or toasted pine nuts add texture and flavor to this versatile and easy-to-make recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Zest of 1 large lemon (about 1 teaspoon)
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (2-3 teaspoons)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
For the Salad
- 8 oz dry fusilli corti bucati pasta (or other pasta shape; about half a 1 lb package)
- 6 cups (7 ounces) chopped romaine lettuce or finely chopped kale
- 3 cups (16 ounces) cooked chopped chicken
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced (optional)
- ⅓ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- Optional toppings: roasted chickpeas, toasted pine nuts, raw pumpkin seeds, or croutons
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well combined. The dressing can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator to develop even more flavor.
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the fusilli pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. The cooked pasta can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked and cooled pasta, chopped romaine lettuce (or kale), cooked chopped chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced avocado if using. Toss gently to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Add Dressing and Toss: Pour the prepared Caesar dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with shaved Parmesan cheese. Add any optional toppings such as roasted chickpeas, toasted pine nuts, raw pumpkin seeds, or croutons for extra crunch and flavor as desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- This recipe transforms a traditional Caesar salad into a filling main dish by adding pasta and chicken, making it perfect for a complete meal.
- The creamy Caesar dressing is flavorful and easy to prepare ahead of time, making meal prep simple and convenient.
- Feel free to swap romaine lettuce with kale for a different texture or added nutrition.
- Optional avocado and various crunchy toppings add delicious texture and taste, customizing the salad to your preference.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though the salad is best enjoyed fresh to maintain crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cups
- Calories: 419
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 56 mg
