Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Mix it up with this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Crisp Romaine lettuce, al dente bow tie pasta, crunchy croutons and tender chicken in a creamy, tangy homemade Caesar dressing.

The Caesar Crowd Pleaser

An easy, fresh, fantastic dinner salad, this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is simple and so satisfying. A blend of crisp romaine lettuce and chewy pasta tossed with tender pulled chicken and crunchy croutons all in a homemade Caesar dressing. A green salad and a pasta salad together, it’s the best of both worlds. The whole family is sure to love it!

Easy Dinner Salad

This is such an easy way to serve an interesting, balanced dinner. I use a rotisserie chicken for quick prep. You can make it even easier by using your favorite store-bought Caesar dressing. But I just know you’ll love this dressing recipe so much you’ll use it again and again. And if you want to make your own croutons, I have an easy step-by-step recipe for you.

I love to serve it with baked crostini or fresh homemade French bread. So good!

Ingredients and Supplies

(see recipe card at the bottom of this post for measurements and details)

Ingredients:

• Farfalle pasta: cook al dente and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking and keep the salad cool and firm.
• Romaine lettuce: dry thoroughly after washing and chopping as wet leaves will dilute the dressing and wilt faster.
• Chicken: a protein source that makes this salad a complete meal for our family. Rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breast works well; pull or dice for even distribution.
• Parmesan cheese: used for both the dressing and tossed into the salad. A medium grate on the Parmesan works best as it gives you great coverage and just the right bite without overpowering the other ingredients. Use freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for best flavor and texture over pre-grated.
• Caesar croutons: add right before serving to avoid sogginess. Homemade croutons would really elevate the dish.
• Mayonnaise: replaces raw egg in traditional Caesar dressing for ease and safety. I use a good quality light mayo and it tastes so great!
• Fresh lemon juice: adds acidity, brightness, and balances the richness of the mayo and cheese. Freshly squeezed is key as bottled lemon juice lacks vibrancy.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: use a mild oil so it doesn’t overpower the other flavors.
• Garlic cloves: mince or lightly chop before adding to the blender to avoid chunks in the dressing.
• Anchovy paste: brings that signature Caesar umami and saltiness without fishiness. Although I do skip it in my Chopped Caesar Salad recipe, I don’t recommend skipping it always as it’s what makes Caesar dressing taste authentic.
• Dijon mustard: adds tang and depth. Start with a smaller amount if you’re not a mustard fan.
• Worcestershire sauce: adds savory complexity and ties in with the anchovy flavor. A little goes a long way so don’t overdo it.
• Kosher salt: taste before adding more as several of the other ingredients are salty.
• Black pepper: adds heat and depth. Use fresh ground for better flavor than pre-ground pepper.

Supplies:

• Blender
• Large mixing bowl

How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

• Cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside to cool.
• Meanwhile, make the dressing. Add all of the dressing ingredients, except for the Parmesan cheese, to a blender and blend until creamy.
• Add the Parmesan cheese and blend again until well incorporated.

• Clean and chop the Romaine lettuce leaves and add to a large mixing bowl.
• Add the cooked pasta, chicken, Parmesan cheese and croutons.
• Toss to combine.

• Drizzle with desired amount of dressing over the ingredients in the mixing bowl.

• Toss to combine. Serve and enjoy!

Storage

This pasta salad is best eaten same day, but leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just expect some texture loss.

To prep ahead, add the pasta, chicken, lettuce, and cheese to the salad bowl and cover tightly to store in the refrigerator for up to two days or until ready to serve. Wait to add the croutons and dressing just before serving for best texture.

If you make my Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, be sure to snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see. If you’re on Facebook, be sure to join my Friends of The BakerMama group to connect and share all the fun and yummy recipes of mine that you make! 😍 I just love seeing how inspired and creative y’all get with the ideas I share. Enjoy!

xoxo,

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