Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines the rich, savory flavors of a classic Caesar salad with the heartiness of pasta and tender, seasoned chicken. This refreshing dish is perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or as a side for a BBQ. The creamy Caesar dressing coats every bite of pasta and chicken, while the crunchy croutons and fresh romaine lettuce add texture and freshness. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing recipe that brings together everything you love about Caesar salad in a convenient, hearty pasta salad form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The combination of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and crisp lettuce mixed with creamy dressing makes every bite a satisfying experience. The addition of crunchy croutons and Parmesan cheese elevates the dish and makes it feel indulgent without being heavy. This salad is versatile, so it can be served as a main course for a quick lunch or as a side for a larger meal. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead of time and stores well in the fridge, making it an excellent option for meal prep or potlucks.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salad:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (grilled or rotisserie chicken works well)

  • 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or bow tie pasta are great choices)

  • 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped (about 2-3 romaine hearts)

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1/2 cup homemade or store-bought croutons

For the Caesar Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional but adds depth of flavor)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 2-3 tablespoons water or milk (to thin out the dressing, if needed)

Directions

Cooking the Pasta and Chicken:

  1. Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.

  2. Prepare the chicken: If you’re using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re cooking the chicken yourself, season it with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil, then grill or pan-fry until fully cooked. Let it rest before dicing.

Making the Caesar Dressing:

  1. Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and anchovy paste (if using). Add salt and pepper to taste. If the dressing is too thick, thin it with a little water or milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Assembling the Salad:

  1. Combine the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, and grated Parmesan cheese.

  2. Add the dressing: Pour the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.

  3. Top with croutons: Just before serving, add the croutons for an extra crunch. You can toss them in or sprinkle them on top as a garnish.

Serving:

Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This pasta salad can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes

  • Cook Time: 10 minutes (for pasta and chicken)

  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Add Veggies: Include some extra vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or avocado for added freshness and nutrition.

  • Use Greek Yogurt: For a lighter version, swap half or all of the mayonnaise in the dressing with Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess without the extra calories.

  • Spicy Caesar: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the dressing for a spicy twist.

  • Swap the Chicken: For a vegetarian version, substitute grilled chicken with roasted chickpeas, tofu, or grilled portobello mushrooms.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it will stay good for a day or two.

  • Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad, as the dressing and pasta don’t hold up well when frozen and thawed.

  • Reheating: If you have leftovers, just give it a quick stir and enjoy cold. If you prefer it warm, you can microwave it briefly, but note that the lettuce and croutons will not stay as crisp.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought Caesar dressing?

Yes! For a quicker option, you can definitely use store-bought Caesar dressing. Just ensure it’s a high-quality dressing to maintain the dish’s flavor.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad is great for meal prep! You can prepare the pasta, chicken, and dressing ahead of time and refrigerate them separately. Combine everything just before serving to keep the lettuce and croutons fresh.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can swap out Parmesan for other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago. You can also use a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor.

How do I prevent the croutons from getting soggy?

Add the croutons just before serving to ensure they stay crunchy. If you’re storing the salad, keep the croutons in a separate container and add them when you’re ready to eat.

Conclusion

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings together all the elements of a classic Caesar salad in a hearty, pasta-filled version. With tender chicken, pasta, crisp lettuce, and a creamy dressing, this dish is perfect for a quick lunch, picnic, or side dish. Customizable to suit your preferences, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as delicious as it is satisfying. Whether you serve it for a casual dinner or a festive gathering, Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is sure to become a go-to favorite!

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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Tossing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines the classic flavors of Caesar salad with the heartiness of pasta and tender, seasoned chicken. Tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing, this salad is topped with crunchy croutons and Parmesan, making it a perfect dish for lunch, a picnic, or as a side at a BBQ. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

For the Salad:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (grilled or rotisserie chicken works well)

  • 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or bow tie pasta are great choices)

  • 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped (about 2-3 romaine hearts)

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • ½ cup homemade or store-bought croutons

For the Caesar Dressing:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional but adds depth of flavor)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 2–3 tablespoons water or milk (to thin out the dressing, if needed)

Instructions

  • Cooking the Pasta and Chicken:

    • Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.

    • Prepare the chicken: If you’re using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. If cooking chicken yourself, season with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil, then grill or pan-fry until fully cooked. Let it rest before dicing.

  • Making the Caesar Dressing:

    • Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and anchovy paste (if using). Add salt and pepper to taste. If the dressing is too thick, thin it with a little water or milk until you reach your desired consistency.

  • Assembling the Salad:

    • Combine the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, and grated Parmesan cheese.

    • Add the dressing: Pour the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.

    • Top with croutons: Just before serving, add the croutons for an extra crunch. You can toss them in or sprinkle them on top as a garnish.

  • Serving:

    • Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This pasta salad can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.Freezing: Not recommended for freezing, as the pasta and croutons won’t hold up well once frozen and thawed.Customizations: Add extra vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or avocado for added freshness and nutrition. For a lighter version, swap half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

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