Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines tender grilled chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing into one satisfying meal. It's an easy, protein-packed salad that's perfect for meal prep, potlucks, summer gatherings, or quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 12 oz rotini pasta or penne pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast sliced or diced
- 1 large head romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 cup Caesar dressing
- 1 cup croutons
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ avocado diced
- 4 slices cooked bacon crumbled
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Allow pasta to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- If using freshly cooked chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper and grill, bake, or pan-sear until cooked through.
- Slice or dice into bite-sized pieces.
3. Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Cooked pasta
- Chicken
- Chopped romaine lettuce
- Parmesan cheese
- Toss gently.
4. Add Dressing
- Pour Caesar dressing and lemon juice over the salad.
- Season with black pepper.
- Toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Add Croutons
- Fold in the croutons just before serving to keep them crunchy.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Top with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately or chill until ready to enjoy.
Video
Notes
📝 Notes
- Pasta Choice: Rotini, penne, or bowtie pasta work best because they hold the Caesar dressing well.
- Chicken Options: Grilled chicken breast, rotisserie chicken, or leftover cooked chicken can all be used for convenience.
- Dress Before Serving: Toss the salad with Caesar dressing shortly before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
- Add Crunch: Croutons provide classic Caesar texture, but add them just before serving to prevent sogginess.
- Extra Flavor: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper enhance the rich Caesar flavor.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or avocado make delicious additions for extra freshness.
- Make Ahead Tip: Prepare all ingredients in advance and combine just before serving for the best texture.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep croutons separate if possible.
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 420 kcal |Carbohydrates: 32 g |
Fiber: 2 g |
Sugars: 3 g |
Protein: 28 g |
Fat: 22 g |
Saturated Fat: 5 g |
Cholesterol: 75 mg |
Sodium: 690 mg |
Potassium: 380 mg |
Calcium: 180 mg |
Iron: 2.1 mg