Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe is super tasty, satisfying, and perfect as a weeknight meal or side dish for a summer BBQ or potluck. Made with simple ingredient, you can’t go wrong with it! 

Love pasta salads? You have to try my favorite Tortellini Caprese Pasta Salad next!

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Why You'll Love This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe!

You can’t beat a terrific salad, am I right? The type of salad that is so much more than a bit of iceberg lettuce and no substance. This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad has protein and plenty of crunch. Plus the creamy dressing just absolutely makes it. It is one of those salads that you can enjoy as a meal in its own. Perfect for a quick weeknight dish, and one that you can certainly prepare ahead. But I also think it’s an ideal side dish. Especially if you love to grill in the summer months. This salad served at your next BBQ or potluck is going to be a crowd-pleaser!

Super easy to make, simple ingredients, and tasty flavors, it really is a salad that checks all of the boxes. I am a huge fan of creamy Caesar dressing. It’s my own recipe and let me tell you its next level. The crunch of the croutons really adds to the texture of this salad, and they are also homemade, but feel free to get store bought if you are short on time. I’m sure you have been persuaded now that this is a salad you just have to try. So here is everything you need to know. 

• Perfect for meal prep - This salad is ideal to prepare ahead of time. Ideal for lunches, midweek meals, or just to plan ahead when you are hosting friends and family. 
• Quick to make - If you don't want to make ahead this is super easy to make on the day.
• Simple ingredients - The salad is a perfect example of using simple and fresh ingredients and doing them justice. Chicken, salad, pasta, and a delicious dressing. 
• Lots of flavor - The dressing really brings all of the ingredients to life. 
• Nutritious - You can’t go wrong with a dish that is packed full of goodness, and tastes amazing.

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Serving bowl/utensils

Key Ingredients

Caesar dressing- You can use store-bought or homemade. The dressing is what makes this salad super tasty.

homemade croutons- I love the crunch in a Caesar salad and that is partly due to croutons. They can be store-bought or try my recipe for Easy Homemade Garlic Croutons.

Rotini pasta - Make sure it is cooked according to package directions for al dente which means "to the tooth". You want the pasta to hold up well when stirring it into the other salad ingredients. You can use other pasta shapes, like penne or ziti.

Romaine lettuce - I like using Romaine lettuce in my Caesar salad.

Cooked chicken - Cook ahead of time or buy pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store. Make sure it is chopped in bite-size pieces.

Parmesan cheese - This can be shredded or grated. But make sure to use a great quality and fresh is always best!

Step-By-Step Instructions

In a large pot of boiling water cook pasta according to the package instructions. Cook pasta to al dente, so that it holds up better in the salad. Drain and cool while preparing the other ingredients.

Chop Romain and add to a large mixing bowl along with the cooled pasta, chopped chicken, parmesan cheese and croutons.

Drizzle with Caesar dressing and toss to coat. This is best served right away. If you want to make the salad ahead I have tips below to follow to make sure the salad stays fresh and crunchy.

Substitutions And Additions

• Add a bit of bacon - Cooked bacon works so well with the chicken and the Caesar dressing. It would be the perfect addition to this pasta salad.
• Extra veggies - Why not add some chopped cucumber, bell pepper, ribbons of raw carrot, or even some tomatoes? You can really add some color and extra goodness to the dish so easily.
• Omit the chicken - If you just fancy a Caesar salad then don't add the chicken. Add some extra vegetables or salad ingredients if you want to make it a bit more substantial.
• Different pasta shape - I have used rotini pasta but you could use whatever pasta shape you like.
• Cheat a little - You can make this salad with store-bought Caesar dressing and croutons if you wish. No judgment and it will still taste delicious.

Make Ahead

The great thing about this Chicken Caesar Pasta salad recipe is that it is easy to make ahead. You can precook the chicken, pasta, Caesar dressing and croutons then combine everything when ready to serve.

Store in separate airtight containers. The dressing will last up to a week in the refrigerator and the homemade croutons for 2 weeks at room temperature.

Storage

If you do have any leftovers then these can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Just be mindful that if you have tossed in the dressing, then the ingredients may lose their texture, and the croutons won't be as crunchy. But the flavor will still be there.

What Are The Mistakes To Avoid When Making A Pasta Salad?

There are a couple of things to be mindful of when you make a pasta salad. Make sure you don't overcook your pasta. Nobody wants mushy pasta in their salads. Also, avoid undercooking it as you don't want the pasta to be chewy. Al dente is perfect and it will be the best pasta texture.

Did you try this recipe? Please let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and a 5- star rating. I would love to hear from you! Subscribe Here to get new recipes sent straight to your inbox!