Combining a classic chicken caesar salad with a cold pasta salad is one of the most genius lunch ideas I’ve seen lately, thanks to Tik Tok. All the flavors of a caesar salad fit right into this easy chicken pasta salad recipe, and it tastes amazing served with or without lettuce.
What’s in this Chicken Caesar Salad Pasta recipe?
This easy recipe is made with chicken, Caesar dressing, croutons, and just a few other ingredients, and it can be served alone as a pasta salad, or on a bed of lettuce!
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. You can also swap in some pre-cooked shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience. Pasta: Use rotini, penne, bowtie, or any short pasta shape for the pasta salad. Caesar Dressing: Simply grab a bottle of Caesar salad dressing from the store. Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a splash of acidity that balances out the flavors. Red Wine Vinegar: This adds some more tanginess to the dressing. You can substitute balsamic vinegar. Parmesan: This is the best cheese for Caesar salad. Tomatoes: Grape or cherry tomatoes add freshness and acidity to the salad. Skip them if you prefer. Croutons: These add that final crunch to the salad. Toss them on top just for serving so they don’t get soggy. Lettuce: This chicken caesar pasta salad can be served with romaine lettuce if you like.
Variations To Try
This recipe is so simple and versatile, you can easily skip or add any ingredients you like. The main part of the salad is the chicken, pasta, and caesar dressing, and everything else is up to you. Add cooked bacon bits, mushrooms, artichokes, or peperoncinis. Serve it with or without lettuce–the creamy pasta salad is so delicious on its own. Instead of cooking the chicken on the stovetop, you could add grilled chicken breast to this caesar pasta salad. Or just add any leftover chicken you need to use up!
How to Store
For best results, store this chicken caesar pasta salad without the lettuce or croutons, because these ingredients will get soggy. Refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days and serve leftovers cold, with fresh lettuce and toppings if desired.
Use Leftover Chicken
If I have leftover chicken in my fridge, I use that for this chicken Caesar salad pasta recipe instead of cooking it from scratch. You can use any chicken that’s already been cooked, whether it’s leftovers, shredded chicken you made for meal prep, or something you picked up at the store. In that case, skip Steps 2 & 3, and just mix the cooked chicken into the pasta salad as instructed. That makes this recipe even easier!
How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Step by Step
Cook the Pasta: Cook 1 box (8 ounces) of dry rotini pasta according to package directions. It’s best to cook it al dente because it will soak up the dressing and soften as it sits. Then drain the pasta, rinse, and toss in a large bowl with ½ tablespoon of olive oil. Set it aside to cool while you cook the chicken. Cut the Chicken: Cut 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes, then season with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Cook the Chicken: Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add the cubes of chicken and sauté for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Then remove the chicken from heat and allow it to cool. Combine Dressing Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together ¾ cup of Caesar salad dressing, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, and ⅓ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Combine Pasta Salad Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken and 1 cup of grape tomatoes (cut into quarters) to the bowl of cooled pasta. Toss the Pasta Salad: Add the Caesar salad dressing mixture into the bowl of pasta, chicken, and tomatoes. Then toss everything together to evenly coat. Chill: For the best cold pasta salad, cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for 2 hours before serving. However, it’s fine to serve right away if you prefer. Serve: If serving as a salad, divide 1 head of romaine lettuce between bowls, then top with the cooled chicken caesar pasta salad. Serve garnished with croutons and shaved Parmesan, if desired.
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title: “Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe” ShowToc: true date: “2024-10-08” author: “Francis Mendoza”
What’s in This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe?
I don’t know about you, but I love chicken Caesar salad and macaroni salad! So putting both together in one dish was a no-brainer, and it’s mind-blowingly good! Cold pasta is mixed with cubes of chicken, fresh Romaine, and crunchy croutons, then tossed with a homemade Caesar dressing.
Pasta: I used rotini, but any short shape will work. Be sure to cook it al dente so it holds its shape. Romaine Lettuce: The quintessential lettuce of choice for Caesar salad. Cooked Chicken: This is a great use for those leftovers you’ve got hanging around. Otherwise, cook up my favorite pan seared chicken breast, cool in the fridge, and chop into cubes. Croutons: Add a great crunch to the salad. Cooked Bacon Crumbles: Add a salty and umami element. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese: Use freshly shredded cheese from a block for the best flavor. Mayonnaise: Makes the dressing creamy! Lemon Juice: Adds a touch of acidity to the dressing. Garlic: Adds an earthy flavor. Dijon Mustard: Adds a bit of spice. Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor. Anchovy Paste: Adds a depth of flavor and saltiness that is essential to this Caesar pasta salad dressing. If you can’t find anchovy paste, you can mash up whole anchovy fillets instead!
Variations To Try
While chicken is the classic choice, you can also make this pasta salad with pan-seared ribeye, or grilled shrimp!
How to Store
Store leftover chicken Caesar pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Toss well before serving chilled. I do not recommend freezing this dish, as both the lettuce and the pasta don’t freeze well.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta with Caesar salad can be a meal all on its own served with some garlic bread or Olive Garden breadsticks. Or serve it as a side with a veggie-forward main, like white pizza, mushroom soup, or gazpacho.
Notes from the Test Kitchen
The pasta should be cooked to al dente meaning that the pasta is cooked (softened) but still firm. This helps the pasta to hold its’ shape when tossed with the rest of the ingredients. Pasta that is too soft will break apart when tossed with the other ingredients.
How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Step by Step
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook 12 ounces of rotini pasta to al dente. Rinse cooked pasta with cold water. Make the Salad: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of chopped romaine lettuce, 4 cups of cubed cooked chicken, 1 cup of croutons, ½ cup of cooked bacon crumbles, ½ cup of freshly shredded Parmigiano Reggiano, and the cooked pasta. Set aside for now. Whisk the Dressing: In a medium bowl, stir together 1 cup of mayonnaise, ⅓ cup of freshly shredded Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 3 minced cloves of garlic, 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of anchovy paste, ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Stir until well mixed. Toss the Salad: Pour dressing over salad ingredients and toss well to mix.
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