Delicious Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of medium-sized shell pasta
- Coarse kosher salt
- 6 anchovy fillets preserved in oil
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 ounce of finely grated Parmesan cheese (approximately ½ cup), with additional shaved for garnish
- ⅓ cup of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, with extra for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper, plus more to taste
- 3 heads of Little Gem lettuce or 2 hearts of romaine, leaves separated and torn if large
- 1 cup of shredded rotisserie chicken breast without skin
Instructions
Step 1
To start off our Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, fill a medium pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once it’s bubbling away, add in 8 ounces of medium shell pasta, giving it a gentle stir to prevent sticking. You’ll want to cook the pasta for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until it’s al dente—tender but still with a slight bite when you taste it. Once the pasta is done, carefully drain it in a colander, letting the steam escape. Set the colander aside and allow the pasta to cool completely for about 20 minutes. This will help it firm up a bit and make it perfect for our salad!
Step 2
To create a deliciously smooth dressing for your Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, start by gathering your ingredients. In your blender, combine 6 oil-packed anchovy fillets, 2 garlic cloves, and 1 ounce of finely grated Parmesan cheese. Then, add in ⅓ cup of extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper. Blend everything together on high until the mixture is creamy and well combined, which should take about 30 to 60 seconds. Once you achieve that velvety texture, take a moment to taste the dressing and adjust the flavor by adding kosher salt as needed. This dressing is not only flavorful but also adds a wonderful richness to your salad!
Step 3
Start by washing 3 heads of Little Gem lettuce or 2 romaine hearts under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Once they’re clean, separate the leaves and tear any large ones into bite-sized pieces. Next, grab a large bowl and place the torn lettuce inside. Now, drizzle a light squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the greens, just enough to brighten their flavor without overwhelming them. Sprinkle in a small pinch of salt, then add a few cracks of freshly ground pepper. Gently toss the lettuce with your hands, ensuring every leaf gets a delicate coating of the lemon juice and seasoning. You want the leaves to be vibrant and slightly glistening, which will elevate the overall taste of your salad!
Step 4
Now it’s time to bring everything together! In your large mixing bowl, add the 1 cup of shredded skinless rotisserie chicken breast along with the reserved pasta. Next, drizzle your prepared dressing over the top, making sure to get an even coating. Using your clean hands, gently toss the salad, lifting and folding the ingredients together until everything is well combined. You want to ensure that the chicken, pasta, and lettuce are all evenly coated in that creamy dressing. Take a moment to admire how colorful and fresh it looks—this is going to be a delicious meal!
Step 5
Once you’ve tossed everything together and it’s looking vibrant, it’s time to serve up your delicious creation. Gently transfer the salad to a large, inviting platter. Take a moment to admire the colorful ingredients before finishing it off with a generous sprinkle of shaved Parmesan cheese. The cheese will add a lovely touch of creaminess and a delightful visual appeal, making your Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad a feast for the eyes. Enjoy the proud moment as you present this dish to your family or friends!
Nutrition Information
My Tip
To enhance the creaminess of your dressing, make sure to purée the anchovies and garlic thoroughly in the blender before adding the olive oil and other ingredients. This will help achieve a smooth texture that clings beautifully to the pasta and greens.
Leftovers
To store your Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, transfer it to an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh, and it should last in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil to keep it moist and delicious.
Make It Your Own
For a delicious twist, try swapping the chicken for grilled shrimp and adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish. The shrimp will add a lovely seafood flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy dressing!
