Introduction

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines the hearty comfort of pasta with the crisp freshness of romaine and grilled chicken. Tossed in a tangy Caesar dressing, it’s a perfect meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether for a quick lunch or a potluck, this salad wins every time.

A close-up view of a clear glass bowl filled with a creamy pasta salad. The dish has three main layers: at the bottom, yellow rotini pasta coated with white creamy Caesar dressing; on top of the pasta, bright green Romaine lettuce leaves also covered with the dressing; and scattered on the top are golden-brown grilled chicken pieces with a slightly crispy texture. The entire salad is sprinkled with grated white cheese and small black specks of pepper. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta, cooled
3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced or cubed
1 cup croutons
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Dressing Ingredients (Homemade Option)

½ cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp anchovy paste (optional)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.
Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Grill or pan-sear until cooked through, then slice or cube into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Wash and chop the romaine lettuce into medium-sized pieces to keep a satisfying crunch.
Step 4: For the dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, anchovy paste (if using), Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until creamy. If using store-bought Caesar dressing, stir it well before using.
Step 5: In a large bowl, toss the cooled pasta, chicken, romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese with enough dressing to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled, garnished with extra Parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, and lemon wedges if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly grated Parmesan for a richer flavor and better blending into the dressing.
Add dressing gradually to avoid overdressing and sogginess.
Allow pasta to cool completely before combining to keep the lettuce crisp.
Toast homemade croutons with garlic and herbs for extra flavor and crunch.
Marinate chicken briefly in some dressing before cooking to infuse more flavor.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to prevent soggy greens. When ready to serve, toss gently and add a bit more fresh dressing if needed. This salad is best enjoyed chilled but can be served at room temperature as well.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up view of a creamy pasta salad in a clear glass bowl. The dish has three main layers: at the bottom, there is spiral-shaped rotini pasta in a pale yellow color, giving a twisted texture; mixed throughout are fresh, bright green romaine lettuce leaves lightly coated in a white creamy dressing, adding a smooth, slightly glossy look; on top and within the pasta, there are pieces of grilled chicken with a golden-brown, slightly crispy skin and tender white meat inside, sprinkled with black pepper and shredded cheese for extra texture and flavor. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?

Yes, any short pasta like fusilli, farfalle, or penne works well because they hold the dressing and mix easily with the other ingredients.

Is it okay to use store-bought Caesar dressing?

Absolutely! Using store-bought dressing saves time and still tastes great. Just give it a good stir before tossing to ensure it’s well combined.