Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

I’ve whipped up a Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad that combines tender grilled chicken, al dente pasta, crisp greens, and creamy Caesar dressing into a satisfying, make-ahead meal perfect for busy days or gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish brings together the bold, familiar flavors of a classic Caesar salad with the heartiness of pasta and protein-packed chicken. It’s creamy but not heavy, easy to toss together, and travels beautifully for potlucks or lunches on the go.

Ingredients

(here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• cooked chicken breast or thigh, diced or shredded

• pasta (such as rotini, penne, or farfalle)

• romaine lettuce, chopped

• grated Parmesan cheese

• cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

• croutons (homemade or store-bought)

Dressing

• mayonnaise

• plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

• grated Parmesan

• fresh lemon juice

• Dijon mustard

• garlic, minced or garlic powder

• Worcestershire sauce (optional)

• salt and pepper

Directions

1. I cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water so it cools quickly and doesn’t overcook.

2. I slice or dice the cooked chicken and set it aside.

3. In a large bowl, I whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, Worcestershire sauce if using, and salt and pepper until the dressing is creamy and smooth.

4. I toss the cooled pasta with chopped romaine, chicken, Parmesan, and tomatoes (if using), then pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat.

5. I add croutons just before serving to ensure they stay crisp, or let everyone add their own at the table.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4–6 people as a main dish or 8 as a side.

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 8–10 minutes (mainly for the pasta and chicken)

• Total time: Around 20 minutes, plus any resting or cooling time

Variations

• Swap proteins: I sometimes use shredded rotisserie chicken or even cooked shrimp.

• Veggie add-ins: I toss in cucumber slices, avocado cubes, or steamed broccoli for color and nutrition.

• Cheese twist: I sprinkle in some crumbled feta or swap Parmesan for Asiago.

• Lighten it up: I use more Greek yogurt and less mayo, or substitute low-fat cottage cheese blended smooth into the dressing.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I keep the croutons separate to avoid sogginess. Before serving, I give everything a gentle stir and add a dash of lemon or a sprinkle more Parmesan if desired. It’s best served chilled or at room temperature—no reheating needed.

FAQs

How can I prep this salad ahead of time?

I cook the pasta and chicken, and make the dressing the day before. I store them separately, then toss everything together right before serving for peak freshness.

Will the lettuce get soggy?

If I’m prepping ahead, I keep the romaine and dressing separate, then toss just before serving. Otherwise, I add the lettuce last to maintain crunch.

Can I use a store-bought Caesar dressing?

Yes—I often use my favorite bottled Caesar dressing to save time. I sometimes thin it with a little lemon juice or Greek yogurt to freshen the flavor.

Is this salad okay for meal prep?

Absolutely—I pack pasta, chicken, dressing, and lettuce in meal-sized containers. I add the dressing just before eating to keep everything crisp.

What other bread elements work besides croutons?

I’ve used toasted pita chips, pretzel crunch, or even crunchy tortilla strips for a fun twist and extra texture.

Conclusion

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad gives me all the deliciousness of a classic Caesar in a more substantial, pasta-studded format. I love how easy it is to prep, customize, and serve—whether it’s a casual lunch, picnic, or dinner side. It’s become one of my go-to recipes whenever I’m craving something creamy, crunchy, and protein-packed.