Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Love Caesar salad? This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad takes it to the next level!
Think tender grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, and golden croutons all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and coated in a rich, creamy Caesar dressing.
It’s everything you love about the classic but heartier, more filling, and meal-prep friendly.
Whether you’re planning a summer BBQ, a potluck dish, or just need a quick weeknight dinner, this salad brings bold flavor and satisfying crunch in every bite.
Simple to make, packed with protein, and seriously addictive this is one salad you’ll be making on repeat.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- This isn’t just your average Caesar salad. It’s a hearty, flavor-packed meal with juicy grilled chicken, tender pasta, crisp romaine lettuce, and fresh veggies—all tossed in creamy Caesar dressing and topped with crunchy croutons.
- Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping lunch for the week, this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad checks all the boxes:
Quick & easy (ready in 30 minutes)
Filling and nutritious
Great for meal prep or gatherings
Customizable to fit your diet
How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and let it cool completely.
- Grill the chicken (or use pre-cooked), then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Prep the veggies: chop lettuce, halve tomatoes, dice cucumber, shred carrot, and slice green onions.
- Toss everything together in a large mixing bowl: pasta, chicken, veggies, cheese, and croutons.
- Drizzle with Caesar dressing and toss again until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for later!
Recipe Variations & Customization
Add-ins: Try olives, bacon bits, red onions, or avocado.
Protein swap: Use rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp, or boiled eggs.
Cheese swap: Shave fresh parmesan or add crumbled feta.
Lettuce options: Mix romaine with baby spinach or arugula.
Gluten-free: Use GF pasta, croutons, and certified GF dressing.
Lighter version: Use a light or Greek yogurt-based Caesar dressing.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
A quick, protein-packed pasta salad with all the flavors of a classic Caesar perfect for lunch, dinner, meal prep, or potlucks!
Course: Main Course, Salad Cuisine: American Keyword: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Prep Time: 15minutes minutes Cook Time: 15minutes minutes Total Time: 30minutes minutes Servings: 4 Calories: 373kcal
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients
- 6 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta like rotini or farfalle)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, grilled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cucumber, diced
- 1 medium carrot, shredded
- ¼ cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- ½ cup croutons (optional, for added crunch)
- Caesar dressing, to taste (homemade or store-bought)
How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Cook the pasta
Boil the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and let it cool completely. - Prepare the chicken
Grill the chicken breasts (or use pre-cooked), then slice or chop into bite-sized pieces. - Chop the veggies
While the pasta cools, chop the romaine lettuce, dice the cucumber, shred the carrot, slice green onions, and halve the cherry tomatoes. - Assemble the salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled pasta, grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, cucumber, carrot, green onions, tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Add croutons if using. - Add the dressing
Drizzle your desired amount of Caesar dressing over the salad. Toss gently until everything is well coated. - Serve or store
Serve immediately for the freshest texture, or refrigerate for up to 1–2 days. (For best results, keep the dressing and lettuce separate until ready to serve.)
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Meal Prep Tip: Cook pasta and chicken ahead. Store separately from dressing and lettuce for best texture.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For crisp lettuce, store it separately.
What to Serve With Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- This salad works great as a standalone meal, but also pairs well with:
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- A light soup (like tomato basil or minestrone)
- Grilled veggies or corn on the cob
Nutrition
Calories: 373kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 331mg | Potassium: 932mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 7202IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 131mg | Iron: 2mg
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pasta, grilled chicken, and chopped vegetables ahead of time. For best texture, store the lettuce and dressing separately and toss everything together just before serving.
2.How long does Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad last in the fridge?
When stored in an airtight container, this salad lasts for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. To avoid soggy lettuce, keep the dressing and romaine separate until ready to eat.
3.Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of grilled chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option and works just as well in this pasta salad. Simply shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
4. What kind of pasta is best for this salad?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, farfalle (bowtie), or fusilli are ideal because they hold the dressing well and mix evenly with the other ingredients.
5. Is this salad served hot or cold?
This pasta salad is best served cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.
Conclusion
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is the perfect mix of comfort and freshness—ideal for busy weeknights, summer gatherings, or healthy meal prep. With juicy grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy Caesar dressing all tossed with pasta, it’s a dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple.
Customize it to your taste, make it ahead, or enjoy it fresh this salad is always a hit!
Tried this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a rating or comment below it helps others and we’d love to hear how it turned out for you!
