Ah, summer days—when the sun blazes fiercely and all I crave is something refreshing yet satisfying. Picture this: tender chicken mingling with al dente pasta, all draped in the creamy embrace of Caesar dressing. I stumbled upon this dish during a backyard BBQ last July, and it was love at first bite.
Steps
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and anchovy paste in a medium bowl until smooth. Mix in grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of pepper, then set aside.
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your choice of pasta, such as rotini or penne, until it is al dente, roughly 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and place it in a large serving bowl.
- Chop the Romaine hearts into 1-inch pieces and add them to the bowl with the cooked pasta. Incorporate your desired protein, like shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped chicken breasts.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss everything together to combine. Optionally, add croutons for extra crunch and garnish with more Parmesan cheese.
- Serve the salad immediately or store it in the fridge, covered, until you are ready to enjoy it. For a variation, try using cheesy tortellini instead of regular pasta.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
- 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz. uncooked pasta, such as rotini or penne
- 2 hearts of Romaine lettuce
- Shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped chicken breasts
- Croutons (optional)
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
FAQ
- Can I make the dressing in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply toss it with the salad ingredients.
- Is it necessary to use anchovy paste in the dressing?
- No, the anchovy paste is optional. However, it does add a distinct flavor that is characteristic of a traditional Caesar dressing.
- What are some alternative proteins I can use in this salad?
- Besides chicken, you can use roasted salmon, grilled shrimp, or skirt steak to add variety to the salad.
- How can I make this dish vegetarian?
- To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and consider adding other vegetables or plant-based proteins as desired.
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Absolutely! While rotini or penne are recommended, you can substitute with any pasta you prefer, such as cheesy tortellini for a unique twist.
Tips
- Pre-Make Dressing: Save time by preparing the Caesar dressing in advance and storing it in the refrigerator. This allows you to quickly assemble the salad when you’re ready to serve.
- Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Use store-bought rotisserie chicken to cut down on preparation time. Simply shred and add it to your salad for an easy protein boost.
- Customizable Proteins: Feel free to swap the chicken for other proteins like grilled shrimp, roasted salmon, or skirt steak to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Try Tortellini: For a creative twist, consider using cheese-filled tortellini instead of traditional rotini or penne pasta to add extra flavor and texture to your salad.
Equipment
- Whisk – For mixing the dressing.
- Large Serving Bowl – To combine and serve the salad.
- Medium Mixing Bowl – For preparing the dressing.
- Large Pot – To cook the pasta.
- Salad Spinner – For washing and drying the Romaine lettuce (if not already washed).
