Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

ByJaclyn Shimmel On08/08/202408/08/2024

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This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a delicious summer salad that puts a spin on two classic favorites. A classic chicken Caesar salad mixed with tomatoes, spinach, and tender pasta noodles in a creamy Caesar salad dressing. It’s the perfect side dish or light meal on those sizzling hot days.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with lettuce, tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and croutons.

My collection of summer pasta salad recipes just continues to grow, and I can’t wait to share this latest one with you. Throughout the summer I make tons of pasta salads like Pesto Tortellini Pasta Salad, Multi Colored Rotini Pasta Salad, and Greek Style Pasta Salad. Not only are they super versatile and can be served with all kinds of main dishes, but it saves me from turning on the oven!

This tasty chicken pasta Caesar salad is made with colorful rotini pasta, crisp romaine lettuce, juicy chicken, zesty tomatoes, and, of course, little crunchy croutons.

I take a shortcut and use my favorite bottle of Caesar dressing, but the great thing about this customizable salad is that you can alter the ingredients to suit your tastes. If you have a homemade Caesar dressing, use it! Want to add bacon bits to yours? Do it. If you’re not a fan of croutons, leave them out.

However you like your chicken Caesar pasta salad, it’s sure to be amazing.

Why you’ll love this recipe

It’s where the best classic Caesar salad gets an upgrade by adding tender pasta noodles.
Refreshing, hearty, and delicious! Anything coated in a creamy Caesar dressing is pretty much the best.
Perfect for a light lunch, a starter for dinner, potlucks, BBQ, etc.

Ingredients for Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces, romaine lettuce, fresh baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, shaved Parmesan cheese, tri colored rotini, croutons, and seasonings.

Chicken – Boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins cut into bite-size pieces.
Seasoning – Garlic powder, pepper, and paprika help to season the chicken nicely. You’ll notice I’m not adding salt, and that’s because the Caesar dressing and Parmesan contain enough.
Oil – A
Rotini – I used tri-color rotini (aka garden rotini) to add color to the dish but regular rotini works too.
Cherry tomatoes – Cut into halves, these add a zesty, juicy, element that cuts through the creaminess.
Romaine lettuce – The classic choice for any Caesar salad. It’s crispy, crunchy, and refreshing.
Baby spinach – Although not a classic choice, I do like to add some dark leafy greens for added nutrients and color.
Parmesan cheese – I recommend using fresh, shaved parmesan that you grate yourself from a block for the best taste.
Croutons – A must-have with any caesar salad. Croutons add a delicious crunch.
Caesar dressing – A bottle of your favorite creamy dressing, whether from the grocery store or your kitchen, will do!

How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.

Season and Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken in a large bowl. Toss to combine so that all the pieces are evenly coated in the seasonings. Cook the chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes per side. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through.

Two image collage of chicken breasts pieces seasoned and seared in a pan.

Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta to al dente. The time will be stated on the box. Typically al dente is 1 minute less than fully cooked. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop it from cooking.

Combine Ingredients: Transfer the pasta to a large salad bowl. Add the chicken, tomatoes, chopped romaine lettuce, spinach, Parmesan cheese, and croutons. Toss to combine.

Lettuce, pasta, chicken, croutons, parmesan, and tomatoes combined in large bowl.

Step 5: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

Caesar chicken pasta salad in large bowl.

Pro Tip:

If you like your croutons super crunchy, you can add them last just before serving. This way, they’re not sitting in the dressing for any length of time.

Storage

It is best served the day it’s made, especially if you want to keep your lettuce crisp and croutons crunchy; however, the flavors will always be there. So, you can keep leftover chicken pasta Caesar salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge, and it’ll still taste great.

Recipe Tips

Making sure to salt the water will add a ton of extra flavor to the pasta as it cooks.
Once you wash your lettuce, be sure to dry it completely. Any residual water will water down the dressing and cause it to separate.
Be sure to cook the chicken through, as there will be no more cooking once it’s in the salad. It should have an internal temperature of 165 degrees F once it is fully cooked and ready.
Double the recipe for a larger crowd.

Recipe Variations

Make it spicy. Add diced jalapenos for some heat.
Different protein. Swap the chicken for smoked sausage or salmon. You can also add crispy bacon to whatever protein you’re using.
Type of chicken. Leftover store-bought rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or any shredded chicken works.
Add extras. Toss in other veggies like cucumbers, red onion, olives, capers, or bell peppers.
Use your favorite cooked pasta. Penne pasta, bow-tie pasta, whole wheat pasta, fusilli, brown rice pasta, gluten-free pasta, or any medium or small pasta shape.