Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that's perfect for any occasion. This tasty salad combines the classic flavors of Caesar dressing and chicken with the addition of pasta, making it a great light meal for warm days.
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Salads make the perfect summer lunch or even a great addition to your brunch menu. I am beginning a summer series of "the Best Salads", which I kicked off with our easy and flavorful Mexican Chicken Salad.
You can never go wrong with adding our Bacon Pea Salad as a side dish. Avocado Chickpea Tuna Salad or this Easy Tuna Pasta Salad are great salads to enjoy for lunch or a light dinner.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy days.
- Versatile enough to serve as a main dish or a side salad.
- Our pasta salad with chicken Caesar flavors is always a crowd-pleaser to impress family and friends at gatherings.
Ingredient List
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- Water
- Salt
- Rotini pasta
- Romaine lettuce
- Caesar dressing
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Croutons
- Cooked chicken
Equipment
- Large pot
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater
- Colander
- Large salad bowl
Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe. The full instructions are below in the recipe card.
- Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente.
- Drain and rinse in cold water.
- Add all the salad ingredients to a large bowl.
- Mix to combine, and then cover and chill in the fridge for 3-4 hours.
Eileen's Tips for Success
- For the best flavor, I recommend using freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of the pre-shredded stuff. It makes a big difference!
- Be sure to rinse the pasta in cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and keep it from sticking together.
- If you are planning to make this salad ahead, don't add the lettuce until you are ready to serve it.
- You can use any type of cooked chicken, and I like to use a leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, rinsing pasta is an important step when making cold pasta salad! By rinsing the pasta in cold water after cooking, you stop the cooking process and wash away excess starch, which helps prevent the pasta from sticking together.
The secret to a good pasta salad lies in balancing flavors and textures! Start with perfectly cooked al dente, and then build layers of flavor with fresh, crunchy vegetables, a savory protein, and a dressing that brings it all together.
Variations
Do you want to change up this recipe? Here are some ways to change the flavor of this dish.
- Protein: Swap out the chicken for cooked shrimp, chickpeas, or crumbled feta for a vegetarian twist.
- Vegetables: Add roasted bell peppers, sundried tomatoes, or shaved asparagus for something unexpected and delicious.
- Pasta: Change up the pasta shapes. Rotini is my favorite, but bowtie, penne, and spaghetti will work well.
- Dressing: Experiment with different dressings. Instead of the classic vinaigrette, try a creamy Caesar dressing, a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, or a spicy peanut sauce for an Asian twist.
- Additions: Add toasted nuts or seeds like almonds, pine nuts, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch.
Make-ahead, storage, and freezer tips
Storage - This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to give it a good toss before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This salad makes a delicious meal all on its own. You can also pair it with some homemade garlic bread made with this Instant Pot French Bread.
Don't forget dessert! Our Lemon Yogurt Cake makes a great dessert to serve with this pasta salad.
Similar recipes
Are you looking for me salad recipes to make for your family? Here are a few of my favorites:
Mexican Street Corn Chicken Salad
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Thank you for your continued support. I am forever grateful.
Eileen xo
If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.
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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
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Equipment Needed:
Ingredients
Prepare the pasta
- 4 quarts water (for pasta)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for the pasta water)
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
Prepare the chicken Caesar pasta salad
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1½ cups Caesar dressing
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons
- 2 cups cooked chicken Note 1
Instructions
- In a large pasta pot, bring 4 quarts water and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil. Add 8 ounces rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the water and rinse under cold water to cool. Note 1
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce, 1½ cups Caesar dressing, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup croutons.
- Top with 2 cups cooked chicken. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours and serve for a cold pasta salad.
NOTES
- Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe—it's flavorful, tender, and a huge time-saver! Note 1: Be sure to drain all the water off the pasta so the dressing does not get watery. Note 2: For the cooked chicken, you can use rotisserie chicken or Instant Pot Shredded Chicken.
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