High-Protein Crispy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad You Will Actually Crave
This crispy chicken Caesar pasta salad is packed with protein and comes together faster than you would expect on a regular weekday. The homemade Caesar dressing takes five minutes and the whole thing is the kind of lunch that actually keeps you full.
By AmeliaUpdated 
Cooking times can vary by equipment and ingredient size. Use the visual cues in the instructions and adjust seasoning to taste.
Method
Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water and spread it out on a tray or large plate to cool completely.
Season and sear the chicken
Pat the sliced chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the chicken in a single layer without overcrowding, cooking in batches if needed. Sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deep golden and cooked through. Set aside on a cutting board to rest for 5 minutes.
Make the Caesar dressing
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, anchovy paste if using, and the extra parmesan. Whisk everything together with a fork until smooth. Taste and adjust salt, pepper or lemon juice to your preference.
Assemble the salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta and chopped romaine. Pour about two thirds of the dressing over and toss well to coat everything evenly. Slice the rested chicken into strips. Arrange the chicken over the top of the salad, then scatter over the croutons and grated parmesan. Drizzle the remaining dressing on top.
Serve immediately
Serve straight away while the chicken is still slightly warm against the cold pasta and greens. Add a little extra cracked black pepper and parmesan at the table if you like.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing to save time?
Absolutely. A good quality store-bought Caesar works fine. Just start with less than you think you need and add more as you go, since some bottled versions are quite a bit saltier than homemade.
How do I keep the chicken crispy once it is in the salad?
The key is to let the chicken rest and cool slightly before adding it to the salad, and to toss the pasta and romaine in dressing first before laying the chicken on top rather than mixing everything together. That way the chicken stays on the drier side.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is one of my favourite things to prep on a Sunday. Just keep the components separate in containers, store the dressing in a small jar, and assemble each portion fresh. It takes about two minutes to put together at lunch time.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
You can, and it saves real time on busy nights. Shred or slice it and just give it a quick two minute warm-up in a hot pan with a little oil to add some texture before serving.
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