Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

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This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad brings together crisp romaine, tender grilled chicken, and al dente pasta in a bowl you can serve for a weeknight dinner or a weekend potluck. It balances creamy, tangy dressing with crunchy croutons and plenty of Parmesan for that classic Caesar note. The recipe is quick to pull together and great for packing into lunches or laid out buffet style. If you love bright pasta salads, you might also enjoy a lighter twist like our caprese pasta salad for another fresh option.

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice

This salad is a winner because it hits familiar comfort flavors while staying light and vibrant. Grilled chicken adds satisfying protein and a smoky edge that plays beautifully against creamy Caesar dressing. Using rotini or penne gives the salad pockets to trap dressing so each bite is saucy without being soggy. It is easily scaled up for guests or scaled down for a single-serving lunch box. The components can be prepped ahead and assembled just before serving to maintain that crisp lettuce and crunchy crouton texture. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or tuck the mix into a pita for a handheld meal.

Flavor and Texture

The flavor profile is bright and savory with lemony lift from fresh juice and umami from Parmesan and optional anchovy paste. Creamy mayonnaise-based dressing clings to pasta and chicken, wrapping every bite in classic Caesar taste. Texturally you get a contrast of tender pasta, crisp romaine, and crunchy croutons that keeps each forkful interesting. Hot grilled chicken cooled slightly before mixing helps the salad stay chilled without wilting the greens. Finish with extra cracked pepper and Parmesan to add a final savory punch.

Ingredients

* 2 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta, cooled
* 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
* 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced or cubed
* 1 cup croutons
* ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 tbsp lemon juice
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
* ½ cup mayonnaise
* 1 tbsp lemon juice
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1 tsp anchovy paste (optional)
* 1 tsp Dijon mustard
* 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
* ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Step by Step Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
2. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down for the salad.
3. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil, then grill or pan-sear until cooked through, and slice or cube into bite-sized pieces.
4. Wash and chop the romaine lettuce into medium-sized pieces that provide a satisfying crunch.
5. If using store-bought Caesar dressing, stir well to combine; for homemade dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, anchovy paste, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and freshly grated Parmesan until creamy.
6. In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta, chicken, romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese with enough dressing to coat evenly, then adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
7. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld, and serve chilled garnished with extra Parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, and lemon wedges if desired.

Tips for Best Results

Let the pasta cool completely before tossing with the dressing so the salad stays crisp and the lettuce does not wilt. If you make the dressing from scratch, taste for lemon balance and add more Parmesan for depth. Reserve a handful of croutons to add just before serving so they keep their crunch. Slice the chicken against the grain for tender pieces that are easy to eat in a salad. For a lighter sauce, swap half the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt while keeping the same flavor profile.

Storage and Make Ahead

Store the salad in an airtight container for up to three days, but keep croutons separate until serving for best texture. You can prepare the chicken and pasta a day ahead and refrigerate them, then assemble the salad the day you plan to serve. If you plan to dress the salad ahead, use a little less dressing initially and add more after chilling if needed. Leftovers make an excellent lunch that travels well.

Final Thought

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is reliable, flavorful, and forgiving — ideal for cooks who want something fast yet impressive. It travels well and adapts to what you have in the fridge, making it a true go-to. Keep the dressing bright and the croutons crunchy for the perfect balance every time.

Conclusion

For a similar take and extra inspiration, check out Just a Taste’s Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad recipe which offers helpful variations and plating ideas.