Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. This easy recipe combines tender grilled chicken, crisp romaine, and al dente pasta tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing with a hint of garlic and parmesan. The textures balance perfectly, with crunchy croutons and fresh herbs adding extra flavor. For a Mediterranean twist, try pairing it with my Mediterranean chick pea salad recipe for a wholesome dinner.
Why You'll Love Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad - Easy Homemade Dinner Recipe
Make this easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with crispy chicken, creamy dressing, and tender pasta. Perfect for quick, family-friendly meals or meal prep.
- Deliciously creamy Caesar dressing homemade from scratch
- Quick and easy to prepare in under 40 minutes
- Perfect for meal prep and leftover-friendly
- Family-friendly with simple, pantry staple ingredients
Ingredients for Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad - Easy Homemade Dinner Recipe
Chicken: Use grilled or pan-seared chicken breasts for best flavor; rotisserie chicken works for an even quicker version.Caesar dressing: Homemade dressing tastes best, but store-bought Caesar dressing can substitute in a pinch.
- Chicken: Use grilled or pan-seared chicken breasts for best flavor; rotisserie chicken works for an even quicker version.
- Caesar dressing: Homemade dressing tastes best, but store-bought Caesar dressing can substitute in a pinch.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad - Easy Homemade Dinner Recipe are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad - Easy Homemade Dinner Recipe
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and cool under cold water to stop cooking.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, grated parmesan, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Combine Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, toss the cooled pasta, sliced chicken, chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, and half of the shredded parmesan with the dressing until evenly coated.
Expert Tips for Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad - Easy Homemade Dinner Recipe
- Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushy salad later.
- Use leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quick version.
- Add freshly cracked black pepper to brighten the flavors.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad - Easy Homemade Dinner Recipe
Make this easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with crispy chicken, creamy dressing, and tender pasta. Perfect for quick, family-friendly meals or meal prep.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked and sliced chicken breast (grilled or pan-seared)
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (for dressing)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil
- Extra croutons for crunch
- Red pepper flakes for slight heat
Instructions
How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and cool under cold water to stop cooking.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, grated parmesan, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, toss the cooled pasta, sliced chicken, chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, and half of the shredded parmesan with the dressing until evenly coated.
- Serve and Garnish: Top with croutons, remaining parmesan, and fresh chopped herbs. Add red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad - Easy Homemade Dinner Recipe FAQs
Yes! Prepare and toss the salad a few hours before serving and refrigerate. Add croutons just before serving to keep them crunchy.
Greek yogurt is a healthier, creamy substitute that works well in Caesar dressing if you want to lighten the recipe.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep croutons separate and add them just before eating to avoid sogginess.
Overcooked pasta, dressing made too far ahead, or adding croutons too early can cause sogginess. Cook pasta al dente, toss only before serving, and keep crunchy toppings separate.
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Before You Go
If you try this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad - Easy Homemade Dinner Recipe, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.