Creamy Caesar Pasta Salad Bowl

This creamy Caesar pasta salad is the ultimate picnic or potluck side dish that always disappears fast. You get all the iconic flavors of Caesar salad with the added comfort of perfectly cooked pasta and juicy grilled chicken, tossed in a tangy homemade Caesar dressing.

I whipped up this Caesar pasta salad for a big family barbecue last summer and it was gone before I could get seconds. The combination of romaine and pasta was a surprising favorite even for my picky nephew.

Ingredients

• Mayonnaise: gives the dressing creaminess and helps it cling to the pasta so use a good quality jar
• Sour cream: adds tang and lightens up the richness choose full fat for best flavor
• Garlic: delivers that classic Caesar kick fresh and pressed for max impact
• Lemon juice: gives brightness freshly squeezed is best
• Anchovies: bring true Caesar depth finely minced or mashed for even mixing
• Worcestershire sauce: provides savory punch try to use a real English version
• Penne pasta: holds the dressing perfectly go for al dente and rinse after cooking
• Romaine lettuce: adds cool crunch fresher leaves work best
• Grape tomatoes: offer juicy bursts and sweetness pick firm and vibrant tomatoes
• Green onions: give gentle tang only use the green parts for mild flavor
• Finely shredded Parmesan cheese: gives nutty salty notes grate your own if you can
• Ground black pepper: gives subtle heat use freshly cracked
• Grilled chicken breasts: make this a hearty meal use well seasoned chicken cooled before dicing
• Croutons: add classic Caesar crunch try to use bakery style for extra texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl thoroughly stir together mayonnaise sour cream pressed garlic fresh lemon juice finely minced anchovies and Worcestershire sauce to form a smooth and creamy dressing base

Dress the Pasta:

Toss half of the prepared dressing with the cooked and cooled penne pasta making sure each piece is evenly coated then place the bowl in the refrigerator to chill for thirty minutes

Mix the Ingredients:

After the pasta is chilled add the sliced romaine lettuce grape tomatoes sliced green onions Parmesan cheese diced grilled chicken and croutons to the bowl pour in the remaining dressing and toss everything together very gently so as not to crush the croutons or lettuce

Serve:

Serve immediately or keep chilled until ready to eat for the perfect cold Caesar pasta salad

Pin

Parmesan cheese is my personal favorite part of this recipe I remember my daughter grating a big pile by hand insisting it be extra cheesy That little touch always reminds me of cooking together as a family

Storage Tips

Leftover Caesar pasta salad can be kept tightly covered in the fridge for up to three days The lettuce will lose some crunch but the flavors stay bold To refresh the salad toss with extra cheese and new croutons just before serving for best texture

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to skip anchovies add extra Worcestershire sauce or a dab of Dijon mustard For a vegetarian version leave out chicken and add more tomatoes or chickpeas Swap penne for rotini or bowties Croutons can be made homemade from any crusty bread

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cold pasta salad as a full meal at lunch or for a light summer dinner I love it alongside grilled corn or as an easy potluck contribution It also makes a hearty lunchbox option for school or work

Cultural Context

Caesar salad was invented by Caesar Cardini in Tijuana Mexico in the 1920s The creamy garlicky dressing made it iconic Turning it into a pasta salad lets you feed a crowd and makes it travel friendly for modern gatherings

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I omit the anchovies?

Yes, you can leave out anchovies for a milder taste. To maintain a savory flavor, double the Worcestershire sauce.

→ What pasta shape works best?

Penne is ideal, but other short, firm pastas like rotini or fusilli hold the creamy dressing well.

→ Should the pasta be hot or chilled?

Let the cooked pasta cool before mixing to prevent the dressing from thinning and to keep the salad refreshing.

→ Can I make this dish ahead?

Yes, prepare in advance and refrigerate. Mix in croutons just before serving to keep them crisp.

→ How do I boost flavor if skipping chicken?

Increase parmesan or add roasted chickpeas for extra protein and taste if omitting chicken.