Friend, this is what happens when classic Caesar salad and pasta salad team up and decide to show out. You get juicy chicken, crunchy romaine, parmesan, and a creamy Caesar dressing that coats every bite. I’ve made enough pasta salads over the years to know the difference between one that dries out and one that stays creamy, and this one holds up every time. You know I’m not here for bland pasta salads, so you're in for a treat!
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Ingredients
- Pasta: Rotini, penne, and fusilli work great. When cooking pasta for pasta salad, it's important to follow the instructions on the package for how to cook it al dente. This will ensure the pasta doesn't become mushy when it's mixed with other ingredients.
- Lettuce
- Chicken: Use what works best for you. You can use chicken breasts, chicken thighs, etc. You can cook it yourself or grab pre-cooked chicken from the grocery store. Here are some options: Air Fryer Chicken Breast, Slow Cooker Crockpot Pulled Chicken, Smoked Pulled Chicken, Smoked Chicken Breast, Grilled Chicken Breast, Rotisserie Chicken, Pre-cooked Chicken Strips, or Canned Chicken.
- Bacon
- Caesar Salad Dressing
- Parmesan Cheese
- Croutons
- Ranch Seasoning (Optional)
How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Cook the pasta in accordance with the instructions on the package.
- Combine pasta, bacon, chicken, lettuce, cheese, and optional ranch seasoning in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with salad dressing. Toss and sprinkle croutons throughout.
- Serve immediately.
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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also grab your FREE ebook with my best 30-minute one-pot meals! Dinner stress stops here.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rotini pasta
- 10-12 ounces cooked chicken Diced into cubes or sliced into strips.
- 4 cups chopped lettuce
- 3 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
- 2-3 tablespoons Grated Parmesan
- 3-5 tablespoons Caesar Salad Dressing see notes to make it high protein
- Croutons
- Ranch Seasoning to taste Optional
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in accordance with the instructions on the package. While it cooks prep the remaining ingredients.
- Combine the pasta, bacon, chicken, lettuce, cheese, and optional ranch seasoning in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with salad dressing. Toss and sprinkle croutons throughout.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Substitutions and Variations
- Shredded Cheese
- Cucumbers
- Feta or Gorgonzola Cheese
- Chopped Cauliflower
- Chopped Dill Pickles
- Sweet Pickle Relish
- Jalapenos
- Celery
- Red Peppers
- Green Peppers
- Creole Seasoning
- Cajun Seasoning
- Homemade BBQ Seasoning
Frequently Asked Questions and Recipe Pro Tips
If you know you want to make it ahead or eat leftovers, keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve. Toss the salad with the dressing just before eating to maintain the best texture.
Store leftover chicken separate from the other ingredients in a bowl or bag with chicken broth to keep it juicy and tender and prevent it from drying out. I also add just a little bit of soy sauce, too.
It can be stored in the fridge tightly covered and sealed for 3-4 days.
Absolutely. Use a high-quality dressing for the best flavor, or make homemade if you prefer more control over ingredients.
Toss the pasta with dressing while slightly warm and reserve extra dressing to stir in before serving.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
For the best texture, add romaine just before serving so it stays crisp.
More Salad Recipes
Fried Chicken Salad
Spaghetti Salad with Italian Dressing
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Southern Macaroni Salad
Lump Crab Salad with Real Crab Meat
Salmon Pasta Salad
Seafood Pasta Salad with Shrimp and Crab
PAT says
WILL BE MAKING THIS RECIPE
staysnatched says
So glad to hear it!
Monica O says
This is so good! I also added roasted chopped broccoli for a little extra crunch and nutrition, and the salad has been a super filling, quick lunch!
staysnatched says
Yay! So glad you enjoyed it.
Monica O says
Made this high protein, by adding Greek yogurt to the dressing, and high protein pasta- it’s so good! I also did a mixture of salmon and chicken. Excited to be having this all week for lunch!
staysnatched says
Yay! One of my favorite combinations.