Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad starts with rotini or bowtie pasta, crisp romaine lettuce, and grilled chicken, all tossed in a homemade Caesar dressing. It’s fresh, filling, and perfect for lunch or a hearty summer side dish.
If you love Caesar salad recipes, you have to try my Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap, Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, and this Shrimp Caesar Wrap.
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Homemade Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
I love a good pasta salad. This caesar pasta salad recipe is a staple for any picnic, potluck, or cookout.
It's made easy with leftover chicken and packed with texture in every bite. Crunchy croutons, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and that creamy Caesar dressing bring it all together. It’s the kind of dish that disappears fast at the function, so you may want to make a little extra just in case!
What Ingredients Do I Need?
As mentioned, this is a pantry approved recipe with simple items you will more than likely have on hand. Here is what you will need:
Ingredients for Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Rotini or Bowtie Pasta. I like using rotini or bowtie because they hold onto the dressing really well and add great texture to every bite.
- Cherry Tomatoes. These bring a fresh pop of sweetness and a little acidity that balances out the richness of the dressing and bacon.
- Romaine. Crisp romaine gives that classic Caesar crunch and keeps the salad feeling light and refreshing.
- Shredded or Shaved Parmesan. A must in any Caesar salad, the sharp, salty flavor of Parmesan ties everything together.
- Croutons. I love the crunch they add. Sometimes I crush them a bit so they mix in better and don’t just sit on top.
- Grilled Chicken Breasts. Using grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor and makes this salad hearty enough to be a full meal.
- Crispy Bacon. Bacon adds saltiness and texture. It gives the salad a savory punch that keeps people coming back for more.
Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing
- Mayo. I use mayo as the creamy base of the dressing. It helps everything blend into a smooth, rich texture.
- Grated Parmesan. Adds depth and a slightly nutty, salty flavor that makes the dressing taste like a real Caesar—not just store-bought.
- Fresh Lemon Juice. A splash of lemon brightens everything up and cuts through the richness of the mayo and cheese.
- Dijon Mustard. A little Dijon gives the dressing tang and just the right amount of zip.
- Worcestershire Sauce. This adds umami and a subtle complexity that makes the dressing feel balanced and bold.
- Anchovy Paste. Don’t skip this! It’s what gives Caesar dressing its signature flavor, even if you don’t taste it outright.
- Garlic. Fresh garlic adds a little bite and sharpness that rounds out the flavor. In this recipe I used garlic paste that helps to spread the garlic flavor over more.
- Fresh Cracked Black Pepper. I like to go heavy here—it adds a little heat and brings out all the savory notes.
- Pinch of Sugar. Just a touch helps mellow out the acidity and makes the flavors more cohesive.
- Water, to thin if needed. I’ll add a splash if the dressing is too thick. It helps coat the pasta without clumping.
How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Cook the Pasta
I start by boiling the pasta in well-salted water until it’s just al dente. Once it’s cooked, I drain it and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly. This helps stop the cooking and keeps the pasta from sticking together.
Make the Caesar Dressing
In a small bowl or mason jar, I whisk together the mayo, Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon, Worcestershire, garlic, anchovy paste, sugar, and pepper. If the dressing feels too thick, I add a splash of water to loosen it up. I want it to be creamy but pourable so it coats everything evenly.
Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped romaine, and some of the Parmesan. I pour the dressing over top and mix until everything is well coated. Then I fold in the grilled chicken and chopped bacon so it’s evenly distributed.
Finish and Serve
Right before serving, I sprinkle croutons on top for crunch and add a little more Parmesan. If I’m making this ahead, I wait to add the croutons so they don’t get soggy. It’s perfect for potlucks or meal prep and holds up well in the fridge.
Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe Variations
- Use a different pasta shape. Penne, fusilli, or even tortellini all work well in this recipe.
- Add extra veggies. Roasted red peppers, cucumbers, or avocado chunks add freshness and texture.
- Make it spicy. Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a little heat.
- Swap the greens. Use arugula or spinach instead of romaine for a different flavor and texture.
- Change the protein. Try grilled shrimp or roasted chickpeas if you want to switch things up or keep it meatless.
- Lighten the dressing. Use Greek yogurt in place of mayo for a tangier, lighter version of the Caesar dressing.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best texture, keep the croutons separate and add them just before eating. If the pasta absorbs some of the dressing, you can stir in a little extra before serving.
Tips
- Rinse the pasta after cooking. This stops the cooking process and keeps it from getting mushy or clumping together.
- Use leftover chicken to save time. Grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken all work well and make prep even easier.
- Chill the dressing before serving. Letting it sit in the fridge for a bit helps the flavors develop and keeps the salad cool.
- Wait to add the croutons. Toss them in just before serving so they stay crunchy and don’t get soggy.
- Thin the dressing as needed. Add a splash of water if it’s too thick so it coats the pasta and greens evenly.
- Make it ahead. You can prep the pasta, dressing, and toppings in advance and assemble just before serving.
- Double the dressing. If you like your pasta salad extra saucy or want some on the side, it’s worth making a little extra.
FAQs
Does Caesar dressing go with pasta?
Yes, Caesar dressing pairs surprisingly well with pasta. Its creamy, tangy, and savory flavor coats the noodles perfectly and adds richness without feeling too heavy, especially when paired with fresh greens and grilled chicken.
Can I make pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep everything a few hours in advance. Just wait to add the croutons and dressing until right before serving to keep the texture fresh.
Do I have to use anchovy paste in the dressing?
Anchovy paste is what gives Caesar dressing its signature flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer. Just know the dressing will be milder without it.
I hope you enjoy preparing this Chicken Caesar Salad Pasta!
If you try this recipe, I'd love to see it! Share it with me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.
More Pasta Recipes
Jambalaya Pasta
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Large Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 12 oz Rotini or Bowtie Pasta
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
- 1 cup Romaine chopped
- ½ cup Shredded or Shaved Parmesan
- ½ cup Croutons whole or crushed
- 2 Grilled chicken breasts about 1lb
- 1 cup Crispy Bacon chopped
Caesar Dressing:
- ½ cup Mayo
- ⅓ cup Grated Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Anchovy Paste
- 1 Garlic Clove minced
- Fresh Cracked black pepper to taste
- Pinch of Sugar
- 1 –2 tablespoon water to thin if needed
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
- In a small bowl (or mason jar), whisk together mayo, Parmesan, lemon juice, mustard, Worcestershire, garlic, anchovy paste, sugar, and pepper. Add a splash of water to thin if needed for a creamy, pourable texture.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, chopped greens, and Parmesan.
- Add the dressing and mix well to coat everything evenly.
- Toss in sliced grilled chicken and chopped bacon.
- Right before serving, sprinkle croutons on top for crunch and more Parmesan.
Notes
Optional Swaps & Add-Ins:
- Swap the romaine for arugula or spinach
- Add roasted chickpeas or grilled shrimp
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a tangier dressing
- Add avocado chunks for creamy bites
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