Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

I’ve created a hearty Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad that blends juicy chicken, tender pasta, crisp lettuce, and creamy Caesar dressing into a satisfying, all-in-one dish perfect for meals on the go or casual entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this salad captures everything I enjoy about a classic Caesar and elevates it with pasta to make it more filling. The combination of textures—al dente noodles, crunchy croutons, and creamy dressing—makes every bite interesting. It’s easy to prep ahead and even easier to enjoy.

Ingredients

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

• cooked chicken breast or thighs, sliced or chopped

• short pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle)

• romaine lettuce, chopped

• cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

• croutons

• grated or shaved Parmesan cheese

Dressing

• mayonnaise

• Greek yogurt or sour cream

• lemon juice

• grated Parmesan

• garlic (minced or powdered)

• Dijon mustard

• Worcestershire sauce

• salt and black pepper

Directions

1. I cook the pasta until al dente, drain, and rinse it under cold water to cool.

2. I slice the cooked chicken and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-size pieces.

3. In a large bowl, I whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Parmesan, garlic, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until creamy and smooth.

4. I combine the cooled pasta, chicken, lettuce, and tomatoes in a serving bowl.

5. I pour the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss until everything is coated.

6. Just before serving, I top it with croutons and more Parmesan for extra crunch and flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4–6 servings as a main or 6–8 as a side.

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 10–12 minutes (for pasta and/or chicken)

• Total time: About 20–25 minutes

Variations

• Lighter version: I use more Greek yogurt and less mayo for a healthier take.

• Protein swap: I substitute grilled shrimp, bacon, or hard-boiled eggs for the chicken.

• Extra greens: I toss in kale, baby spinach, or arugula for added nutrition.

• Spicy twist: I stir a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper into the dressing.

storage/reheating

I store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, keeping the croutons separate until serving to maintain their crunch. I give it a quick toss before eating and sometimes refresh it with a bit more dressing.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes—I cook the pasta and chicken, prep the lettuce and dressing, then assemble just before serving. Croutons go in last to stay crispy.

Will the lettuce wilt in the fridge?

If tossed with dressing too early, it can wilt. I mix everything but the lettuce, then add it when I’m ready to serve.

Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?

Absolutely—I do that when I need to save time. Just choose a high-quality dressing and adjust other ingredients to taste.

What kind of pasta works best?

I prefer short shapes like rotini or penne because they hold the dressing well and mix easily with the other ingredients.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Definitely—it’s one of my go-to meal prep salads. I pack components separately and combine them when ready to eat.

Conclusion

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a reliable, delicious way to enjoy a classic with a twist. I love its creamy texture, savory chicken, and how it all comes together in one bowl. Whether I need a quick lunch or a potluck hit, this recipe always delivers.