The Best Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad – Creamy, Crunchy, and Flavor-Packed
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is the perfect combination of tender grilled chicken, crisp romaine, al dente pasta, and a creamy Caesar dressing. It’s easy to make, refreshing, and hearty enough to serve as a main dish or side for picnics, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
With its blend of textures — crunchy croutons, creamy dressing, tender chicken, and soft pasta — every bite is satisfying. This recipe is versatile: make it ahead for a quick meal prep option, or serve immediately for a fresh, flavorful salad.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli)
- 2 cups grilled chicken, sliced or diced
- 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated
- ½ cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup croutons
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Prepare pasta according to package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and let cool.
- Prep chicken and veggies: Slice grilled chicken and halve cherry tomatoes. Chop romaine lettuce.
- Assemble salad: In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan.
- Add dressing: Pour Caesar dressing over the salad and toss until well-coated. Season with salt and pepper.
- Finish with crunch: Sprinkle croutons on top just before serving to maintain crispness. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Why This Salad Works
- Creamy & crunchy: Perfect balance of textures with Parmesan and croutons.
- Hearty & filling: Chicken and pasta make it a satisfying meal.
- Quick & easy: Ready in about 25 minutes.
- Make-ahead friendly: Ideal for meal prep or parties.
Pro Tips
- Use leftover roasted or grilled chicken to save time.
- Toss the salad gently to avoid breaking the pasta.
- Add extra veggies like cucumber or bell peppers for color and nutrition.
Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Keep croutons separate until ready to serve to retain their crunch.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
A creamy and crunchy pasta salad with grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan, and Caesar dressing. Perfect for summer meals and gatherings.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and let cool.
- Slice grilled chicken, halve cherry tomatoes, and chop romaine lettuce.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and Parmesan.
- Pour Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle croutons on top before serving. Serve with optional lemon wedges.
Notes
For extra flavor, add cucumbers, bell peppers, or olives.
