Fresh & Tangy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer

Crisp romaine and tender chicken meld perfectly in this crowd-pleasing chicken caesar pasta salad.

Summer picnics never looked so delicious.

Creamy dressing coats each pasta strand with zesty flavor.

Nobody can resist these fresh, bold ingredients blending together.

Crunchy croutons add irresistible texture that makes every bite exciting.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings become instantly memorable with this simple yet stunning dish.

She absolutely adores how quickly this meal comes together without sacrificing taste.

You’ll want seconds – maybe even thirds!

Steps to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Easily

Step 1: Cook Pasta Perfectly

• Grab a large pot and fill with water
• Add a generous pinch of salt
• Bring water to a rolling boil
• Drop pasta into boiling water
• Cook according to package directions for al dente texture
• Drain pasta in a colander
• Rinse with cold water to stop cooking
• Let pasta cool completely

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Caesar Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Water (optional for thinning)

Combine all dressing ingredients in a mixing bowl

Whisk until smooth and well-blended

Adjust consistency by adding water gradually

Step 3: Combine Salad Components

• Grab a spacious mixing bowl
• Add cooled pasta
• Toss in cooked chicken pieces
• Chop romaine lettuce and add to bowl
• Slice cherry tomatoes and mix in
• Pour prepared Caesar dressing over ingredients
• Gently toss until everything is evenly coated

Step 4: Add Final Touches

• Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top
• Scatter crispy croutons over salad
• Serve immediately
• Can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours before serving

Helpful Notes for Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Prep

• Boost Pasta Texture: Rinse pasta with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Customize Dressing Consistency: Adjust the dressing thickness by gradually adding water, creating a perfect coating for your salad ingredients.
• Prep Ahead Smartly: Cook chicken and pasta in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator to save time when assembling the salad.
• Crunch Up Your Salad: Add extra croutons just before serving to maintain their crispy texture and prevent them from getting soggy.
• Dietary Swap Options: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, or use gluten-free pasta and croutons for a gluten-sensitive diet.

Store Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Without Losing Freshness

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the salad crisp and fresh.
• Keep the Caesar dressing separate from the salad ingredients to prevent soggy lettuce and maintain optimal texture.
• Enjoy cold or let the pasta salad sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
• Add fresh croutons right before eating to maintain their crunchiness and prevent them from getting soft.

Meals That Pair with Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

• Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the tangy Caesar dressing and cuts through the creamy texture of the pasta salad.
• Create a light lemonade or citrus spritzer with fresh lime or lemon juice to balance the rich flavors and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the savory chicken and dressing.
• Serve warm, garlic-infused breadsticks on the side to add a crunchy texture that echoes the croutons and provides a delightful accompaniment to the pasta salad.
• Offer a small, chilled cucumber soup as a starter to create a light, cool prelude that matches the fresh and crisp elements of the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad.

Fun Twists on Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

• Vegetarian Caesar Pasta Salad: Replace chicken with grilled tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for a protein-packed meat-free option.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure croutons are gluten-free or replace with toasted nuts for crunch.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Mediterranean Style: Add kalamata olives, cucumber, and swap Caesar dressing with a lighter Greek-inspired vinaigrette for a Mediterranean twist.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad That Hits the Spot

• Combines classic Caesar dressing with tender chicken and crisp vegetables, creating a universally loved dish that satisfies both kids and adults.
• Perfect for preparing ahead, this salad maintains its texture and taste when refrigerated, making it ideal for lunch boxes, picnics, and potlucks.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping chicken for grilled shrimp, tofu, or adding extra vegetables to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.

What Goes in a Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

• Pasta: Classic base for the salad, provides hearty texture and fills out the dish.
• Romaine Lettuce: Crisp green foundation that adds freshness and classic Caesar salad character.

• Chicken: Lean protein that makes the salad substantial and satisfying, best when grilled or roasted.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds depth and classic Caesar flavor, choose freshly grated for best taste.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the dressing, provides smooth consistency.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy element that balances the richness of the dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds sharp, complex flavor and helps emulsify the dressing.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Provides umami depth and subtle complexity.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds signature Caesar dressing punch.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for overall flavor balance.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, colorful addition that provides fresh contrast.
• Croutons: Crunchy topping that adds textural interest, homemade or store-bought work well.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Summer gatherings sparkle with this zesty Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, blending crisp romaine, tender chicken, and creamy dressing. Fresh herbs and parmesan cheese elevate the classic dish, promising a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (200 g) pasta (rotini, penne, or bowties)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped

Salad Toppings:

• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated or shaved
• ½ cup croutons

Dressing Ingredients:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 23 tablespoons water (to thin, if necessary)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Perfectly prepare pasta in a generously salted boiling water bath, cooking until it reaches the ideal al dente texture with a slight firmness to the bite.
2. Rapidly cool the cooked pasta by thoroughly rinsing under cold water, then allow to drain completely in a colander.
3. Craft a luxurious Caesar dressing by vigorously whisking together creamy mayonnaise, sharp Parmesan, tangy lemon juice, robust Dijon mustard, savory Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic.
4. Gradually incorporate water, one tablespoon at a time, to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency that will elegantly coat each ingredient.
5. Transform a spacious mixing bowl into a canvas for your culinary creation by layering tender cooked pasta, succulent shredded chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, and vibrant cherry tomatoes.
6. Drizzle the meticulously prepared Caesar dressing over the salad components, then gently toss to ensure every morsel is lavishly coated with flavor.
7. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and textural complexity by sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese and crunchy croutons across the surface just moments before serving.
8. For optimal enjoyment, serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for up to two hours to allow flavors to meld and intensify.

Notes

• Swap grilled or rotisserie chicken for a quick protein boost that adds smoky flavor and reduces cooking time.
• Replace regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions and increase nutritional value.
• Chill ingredients beforehand to maintain crisp lettuce texture and prevent wilting when mixing the salad.
• Add extra crunch by mixing in toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for a delightful textural contrast and nutty undertone.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg