Name: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta; 2 cups cooked chicken breast (chopped or shredded); 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved); 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup croutons; salt and pepper to taste; lemon wedges for serving (optional)

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Nothing says delicious simplicity like Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad! This crowd-pleasing recipe combines juicy, savory chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, crisp romaine, and a tangy Caesar dressing into a meal that tastes like summer in every bite. Whether you need something fresh and filling for lunch, an easy dinner for busy weeknights, or a dish that always impresses at picnics and potlucks, this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is the one I turn to again and again.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a handful of pantry and fridge basics is all it takes to build layers of flavor, crunch, and color. Each ingredient here is chosen for the way it shines and supports the creamy-meets-crispy taste adventure that is Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad.

Pasta (8 ounces rotini or penne): The perfect pasta shapes to trap dressing and toppings in every forkful.
Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, chopped or shredded): Use grilled, rotisserie, or even last night’s leftovers for juicy bites of protein.
Romaine lettuce (2 cups, chopped): This classic Caesar green adds irresistible crunch and freshness.
Caesar dressing (1/2 cup): Creamy, tangy, and packed with umami—homemade or store-bought both work wonders here.
Parmesan cheese (1/3 cup, grated): Nutty and salty, this adds a classic Caesar finish and ties everything together.
Cherry tomatoes (1/2 cup, halved): For juicy pops of sweetness and a splash of color.
Croutons (1/4 cup): Toss these in right before serving for that irresistible crunch.
Salt and pepper (to taste): A finishing touch to bring out all the flavors.
Lemon wedges (optional): A squeeze of lemon just before serving wakes up the flavors like magic!

How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil and cooking your pasta until it’s perfectly al dente—soft with just the tiniest bit of bite. Once cooked, drain immediately and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down. This ensures your Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is refreshingly crisp instead of lukewarm or soggy.

Step 2: Mix the Main Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cooked chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese. This is where all the goodness comes together—the pasta and chicken soak up the dressing, the greens add crunch, and the tomatoes bring a juicy brightness.

Step 3: Dress and Toss

Pour in the Caesar dressing and toss everything thoroughly so every piece is coated in that creamy, savory dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste and give it another toss—a light hand is best until you nail the perfect balance of flavors for your Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad.

Step 4: Add Crunch and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle in the croutons. These little bread bites are the finishing flourish, adding crisp texture and that classic Caesar salad vibe. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for anyone who loves a little fresh zing. Enjoy your Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature for peak flavor.

How to Serve Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Brighten up your serving platter with extra Parmesan shavings, whole-leaf romaine, an extra sprinkle of black pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil. A few fresh lemon wedges not only taste fantastic but also look irresistibly inviting—your Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad will be as beautiful as it is delicious.

Side Dishes

This salad is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also plays well with others! Serve it alongside fresh fruit, a light soup, roasted veggies, or warm garlic bread for a perfectly balanced lunch or dinner. It’s a favorite at barbecues and pairs beautifully with anything off the grill.

Creative Ways to Present

Create individual mason jar salads for picnics, fill lettuce cups for a hand-held appetizer, or arrange on a big platter lined with extra greens for a festive centerpiece. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is easy to dress up for company or pack into meal prep containers for lunch on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For the freshest taste, store croutons separately and add them just before serving to keep that crunch going strong.

Freezing

While you can freeze cooked chicken and pasta separately, it’s best not to freeze the fully assembled Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Lettuce and dressing don’t thaw well and will lose their fresh texture and flavor.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If it’s a bit cold straight from the fridge, let it sit out for 10-15 minutes to take off the chill. If you want to freshen it up, toss with a little extra dressing and add fresh croutons just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Salad

Absolutely! Any short pasta like fusilli, farfalle, or even shells will work great in this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Play around with shapes for fun texture and presentation.

Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?

Yes! Simply leave out the chicken or swap in roasted chickpeas or protein-packed grilled tofu for a tasty vegetarian twist that still delivers loads of flavor.

What’s the best chicken to use?

Grilled, shredded, or baked chicken breast all work beautifully. Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and adds a savory richness that’s hard to beat. Leftovers are perfect for making this a quick and easy meal.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Definitely! Try tossing in sliced cucumbers, red onion, bell peppers, or even grilled corn to make your Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad extra colorful and full of fresh, seasonal crunch.

How can I make it lighter?

Use a light Caesar dressing, cut back on the cheese, and add more lettuce or spinach to bulk up the salad without adding calories. You’ll still get all the classic flavors in a lighter, fresher version.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a satisfying, craveable, and wonderfully simple dish, Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is sure to win you over. It’s a perfect mix of textures and tastes, guaranteed to keep everyone coming back for seconds. Try it this week and watch it disappear—happy cooking!

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the flavors of a classic Caesar salad combined with pasta in this delightful Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. It’s a perfect dish for a quick lunch or a light dinner, offering a satisfying blend of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

8 ounces rotini or penne pasta

Chicken:

2 cups cooked chicken breast (chopped or shredded)

Salad:

2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup croutons
salt and pepper to taste
lemon wedges for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
Add Dressing: Add Caesar dressing and toss until everything is well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Final Touches: Just before serving, mix in the croutons for crunch. Serve chilled or at room temperature with lemon wedges if desired.