This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is the perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors! Juicy grilled chicken, crisp romaine, tender pasta, and a rich Caesar dressing come together for a delicious and satisfying dish. It’s great for meal prep, potlucks, or a quick and easy dinner!
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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Stays fresh for days, making it great for lunches.
- Balanced & Hearty: A perfect combination of protein, carbs, and fresh greens.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: A classic Caesar salad with a fun pasta twist!
Ingredients for Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie)
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup croutons
For the Caesar Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Pasta pot
- Strainer
How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and chicken.
- Pour the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss until well coated.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
- Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and top with croutons for extra crunch.
- Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes for even better flavor!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this salad cold or at room temperature for the best taste.
- Pair it with garlic bread or a side of roasted veggies for a complete meal.
- Add avocado or bacon for extra richness!
Tips for the Best Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts into the dressing better and adds the best flavor.
- Make It Lighter: Swap mayo for extra Greek yogurt for a healthier version.
- Grill the Chicken: For even more flavor, use grilled or rotisserie chicken!
- Customize Your Pasta: Any short pasta works—penne, fusilli, or even orecchiette.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Make Ahead: Keep the dressing separate and toss before serving for freshness.
- Do Not Freeze: The lettuce and dressing don’t hold up well in the freezer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?
A: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, use your favorite bottled Caesar dressing.
Q2: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! Just keep the dressing separate and mix it in before serving.
Q3: Can I use a different type of lettuce?
A: Yes! Try kale or mixed greens for a different twist.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Pasta Salad!
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is fresh, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s the perfect dish for any occasion—quick lunches, summer cookouts, or weeknight dinners. Try it today, and let us know what you think!
Did you make this recipe? Leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest! We love seeing your delicious creations.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 450
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Enjoy every fresh and cheesy bite!
Print
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is the perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors! Juicy grilled chicken, crisp romaine, tender pasta, and a rich Caesar dressing come together for a delicious and satisfying dish. It’s great for meal prep, potlucks, or a quick and easy dinner!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get this recipe delivered straight to your inbox and never miss out on delicious updates!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie)
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup croutons
For the Caesar Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and chicken.
- Pour the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss until well coated.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
- Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese and top with croutons for extra crunch.
- Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes for even better flavor!
Notes
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts into the dressing better and adds the best flavor.
- Make It Lighter: Swap mayo for extra Greek yogurt for a healthier version.
- Grill the Chicken: For even more flavor, use grilled or rotisserie chicken!
- Customize Your Pasta: Any short pasta works—penne, fusilli, or even orecchiette.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: American