Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is the perfect mashup of two classic favorites—Caesar salad and hearty pasta. With tender chunks of grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, al dente pasta, and a creamy Caesar dressing, this dish is both refreshing and satisfying. It’s great for a light lunch, summer picnic, or as a complete dinner on busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe brings together the bold, garlicky flavors of Caesar salad and the comforting bite of pasta. It’s incredibly versatile and easy to throw together, especially if I have leftover chicken or pasta in the fridge. Whether I serve it cold or slightly warm, it’s always a hit. Plus, it’s just as good the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
3 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta
2 cups cooked and chopped chicken breast (grilled or rotisserie)
1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup croutons
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice or zest for a touch of brightness
Directions
I start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and let it cool.
While the pasta cools, I chop the romaine lettuce and halve the cherry tomatoes.
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the cooked pasta, chopped chicken, romaine lettuce, and cherry tomatoes.
I pour in the Caesar dressing and toss everything until evenly coated.
I add the Parmesan cheese and give it another quick mix.
Right before serving, I top it with crunchy croutons and season with salt, pepper, and a bit of lemon juice if I want an extra kick.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings. From start to finish, it takes roughly 25 minutes—15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook the pasta and get everything ready.
Variations
I like switching it up depending on what I have. Sometimes I use grilled shrimp instead of chicken for a lighter seafood version. If I’m in the mood for a vegetarian dish, I skip the meat and add roasted chickpeas for protein. Kale can be swapped in for romaine, and bowtie or fusilli pasta works just as well.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, I usually store the dressing and croutons separately and mix them in right before eating. This prevents everything from getting soggy. I don’t recommend reheating, as it’s best served cold or at room temperature.
FAQs
How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
I like to mix in the dressing just before serving and keep the croutons on the side until it’s time to eat. That way, everything stays crisp.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, I often prep all the components ahead—cooked pasta, chopped chicken, and lettuce—and store them separately. I assemble it all just before serving.
What kind of Caesar dressing should I use?
I prefer using a creamy, garlic-forward Caesar dressing. Sometimes I use store-bought, but when I have time, I make my own with anchovy paste, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. I’ve made this with bowties, fusilli, and even elbow macaroni. As long as it’s bite-sized and holds onto the dressing well, it works.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it holds up really well in the fridge. I just make sure to keep the dressing and croutons separate until I’m ready to eat.
Conclusion
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is everything I want in a meal—quick, flavorful, and satisfying. It combines the comfort of pasta with the fresh crunch of a classic Caesar salad, all wrapped up in a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s a go-to recipe I rely on for busy days, meal prep, or casual get-togethers.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines the bold flavors of Caesar salad with hearty pasta for a refreshing and satisfying meal. Featuring grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan, and croutons tossed in creamy Caesar dressing, it’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta
2 cups cooked and chopped chicken breast (grilled or rotisserie)
1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup croutons
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon juice or zest
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and let it cool.
Chop the romaine lettuce and halve the cherry tomatoes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped chicken, lettuce, and tomatoes.
Pour in the Caesar dressing and toss until evenly coated.
Add the Parmesan cheese and mix again.
Top with croutons, season with salt and pepper, and add lemon juice or zest if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use leftover or rotisserie chicken to save time.
Store dressing and croutons separately if making ahead.
Try grilled shrimp or roasted chickpeas as a variation.
Swap in kale or other leafy greens for a different twist.
