Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Short Description

This chicken Caesar pasta salad combines the classic flavors of a Caesar salad with hearty pasta and tender chicken. Tossed in a creamy homemade Caesar dressing and topped with crunchy croutons and shaved parmesan, it’s a refreshing yet satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines Caesar salad and pasta for a full, filling meal
• Homemade dressing and croutons add gourmet flavor
• Perfect for summer lunches, picnics, or potlucks
• Easily customizable with your favorite pasta shapes
• Make-ahead friendly for busy days

Ingredients

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

Caesar Dressing:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons anchovy paste
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Homemade Croutons:
• 3 cups torn or sliced bread pieces (about 1/2 small loaf)
• 2–3 tablespoons olive oil, as needed
• Heavy pinch of salt

To Assemble The Salad:
• 2 cups uncooked rotini pasta (or other short pasta)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 medium cooked chicken breasts, chopped
• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce (about 1 small head)
• 1/2 cup grated or shaved parmesan cheese

Directions

Make The Dressing

1. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, anchovy paste, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
2. Store in the fridge until ready to use. Can be made up to 1 week in advance.

Toast The Croutons
3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
4. Toss bread pieces with enough olive oil to lightly coat and season with salt.
5. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 7–10 minutes, stirring once or twice, until golden brown.
6. Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container if making ahead.

Assemble The Salad
7. Cook the pasta in heavily salted water until al dente. Drain, toss with olive oil, and cool to room temperature.
8. Prepare remaining ingredients: wash and chop lettuce, shred cheese, and cook/chop chicken if needed.
9. In a large bowl, toss pasta with half of the dressing. Add lettuce, chicken, croutons, and cheese. Toss again to combine.
10. Add more dressing as desired. Garnish with reserved croutons, chicken, and cheese for presentation.
11. Serve immediately.

Servings And Timing

• Servings: 4 to 6
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes (for croutons and pasta)
• Total Time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

• Use grilled or rotisserie chicken for added flavor
• Swap romaine with kale or arugula for a different green
• Add cherry tomatoes or avocado for a twist
• Use penne, farfalle, or fusilli instead of rotini
• Substitute Greek yogurt for part of the mayo in the dressing

Storage/Reheating

• Store assembled salad in the refrigerator for up to 1 day
• For best texture, store components separately and assemble just before serving
• Croutons stay crisp at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 1 week
• Do not freeze; fresh ingredients and textures will not hold up

FAQs

Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?

Yes, but store dressing, croutons, and lettuce separately for best texture and toss just before serving.

Can I Use Store-Bought Dressing?

Yes, but homemade Caesar dressing provides a fresher, richer flavor.

What’s The Best Pasta For This Salad?

Short pasta like rotini, penne, or farfalle work best as they hold the dressing well.

Is Anchovy Paste Necessary?

It adds authentic Caesar flavor but can be omitted or substituted with extra Worcestershire sauce.

Can I Make This Vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the chicken and anchovy paste, or use plant-based alternatives.

How Do I Cook The Chicken?

Grill, roast, or pan-sear chicken breasts until fully cooked, then let cool before chopping.

Can I Add Extra Vegetables?

Absolutely—try adding cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers for more crunch and color.

How Do I Keep The Croutons From Getting Soggy?

Add them just before serving to preserve their crisp texture.

Can I Use Leftover Chicken?

Yes, leftover grilled or roasted chicken works perfectly in this salad.

Is This Salad Served Warm Or Cold?

It’s best served cold or at room temperature, making it ideal for picnics and warm-weather meals.

Conclusion

This chicken Caesar pasta salad brings together the heartiness of pasta, the crisp freshness of romaine, and the bold flavors of a creamy Caesar dressing. Whether you’re prepping for a weeknight dinner, potluck, or summer party, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy.

Print