Deluxe Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this salad brings together crisp greens, creamy Caesar dressing, and flavorful chicken in a single bowl. The pasta adds just enough comfort and heartiness, while the croutons bring that irresistible crunch. It’s super quick to prepare and easily customizable with whatever I have on hand. Plus, it’s filling enough to serve as a full meal but still feels light and fresh.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• romaine lettuce (washed and chopped)

• cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced)

• Parmesan cheese (finely shredded)

• rotini pasta

• croutons

• Caesar dressing

• freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Directions

1. I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the rotini pasta, and cook it until al dente according to package directions. I drain and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly, then set it aside.

2. I wash and chop the romaine lettuce, making sure to dry it thoroughly so the dressing clings well.

3. In a large mixing bowl, I combine the chopped lettuce, cooled pasta, cooked chicken, and shredded Parmesan.

4. I add the croutons and pour the Caesar dressing evenly over everything. I like to add freshly cracked black pepper for a little extra bite.

5. I gently toss the salad until all ingredients are coated and combined, then serve immediately while the croutons are still crisp.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Great for a quick lunch or a refreshing dinner during warmer days.

Variations

• I sometimes add halved cherry tomatoes or sliced cucumbers for a fresh twist.

• To make it even more filling, I toss in some chopped hard-boiled eggs or cooked bacon.

• For a lighter version, I use a yogurt-based or low-fat Caesar dressing.

• I’ve swapped the rotini with penne, bowtie, or even orzo depending on what’s in my pantry.

• Grilled or rotisserie chicken adds a smoky depth and saves time.

Storage/Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. To keep the croutons from going soggy, I add them just before serving. I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the texture of the greens and dressing doesn’t hold up well after thawing.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, I prep all the components ahead and store them separately. When ready to eat, I just toss everything together to maintain the crisp textures.

What’s the best pasta for this salad?

I like rotini because it holds the dressing well, but bowtie, penne, or fusilli all work great too.

Can I use bottled Caesar dressing?

Absolutely. I use a good-quality store-bought Caesar dressing to save time, but homemade dressing also works if I want something more from scratch.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

It can be, but I keep the lettuce and croutons separate until just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes, this is a perfect way to use up leftover grilled, roasted, or rotisserie chicken. I just make sure it’s chopped or shredded for easy mixing.

Conclusion

This Deluxe Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is one of those go-to recipes I keep on repeat. It’s fast, flavorful, and feels like more than just a salad. I love how all the textures come together in one bowl—creamy, crisp, chewy, and crunchy. Whether I’m feeding my family or just making a quick lunch for myself, this one always hits the spot.

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