Looking for a delicious, quick, and satisfying dish that comes together in just 20 minutes? This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is the perfect mash-up of creamy Caesar salad and hearty pasta salad, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, picnics, or meal prep. With its mix of rotisserie chicken, crisp romaine, Parmesan, and homemade Caesar dressing, it’s everything you love about classic Caesar—plus pasta!

One of the best things about this dish is its adaptability. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a party potluck favorite, or a family-friendly dinner, this recipe delivers every time. And it stores beautifully, so it’s perfect for preparing ahead.

Did you know that romaine lettuce is a nutrient-rich leafy green full of vitamins A and C? It brings not just crunch but also essential nutrients to this salad. You can learn more about its nutritional benefits here. And if you’re planning to make this salad in advance, understanding how to store it properly is essential. Refer to the USDA’s guide on safe food storage to keep your meal fresh and safe.

Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad

Ready in 20 minutes
Great as a main or side dish
Customizable with your favorite proteins
Easy to prep ahead
Perfect for summer meals, potlucks, or meal prep

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Caesar Dressing (homemade):

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
¾ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional but adds depth—see substitutes)
⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Salad:

8 oz. uncooked pasta (rotini, penne, or cheesy tortellini)
2 hearts of Romaine lettuce, chopped
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
Croutons (optional but recommended for crunch)
Shaved or grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. Prepare the Dressing

In a mixing bowl, whisk together mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mayo, garlic, and anchovy paste.
Stir in grated Parmesan and season with pepper.

3. Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped romaine, and shredded chicken.
Pour in the dressing and toss until evenly coated.
Add croutons and extra Parmesan just before serving.

Tip: If you’re preparing ahead, store the dressing separately and toss everything together right before serving.

Tips to Save Time and Maximize Flavor

Use store-bought rotisserie chicken to skip cooking and shredding your own.
Prepare the dressing a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
Add croutons just before serving to keep them crunchy.
Let the pasta cool completely before adding lettuce to prevent wilting.

Flavorful Variations to Try

Want to change things up? Here are some fun ways to customize this salad:

Swap the Protein:

Grilled shrimp
Skirt steak
Roasted salmon
Chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version

Change the Pasta:

Use bow tie, fusilli, or cheesy tortellini
Opt for whole wheat pasta for extra fiber

Add Extra Veggies:

Cherry tomatoes
Avocado slices
Roasted red peppers
Cucumbers or olives

Serving Ideas

This chicken Caesar pasta salad is versatile and pairs well with many occasions:

As a main dish with garlic bread or soup
A side dish at BBQs or picnics
Packed in lunchboxes with an ice pack
Served chilled on a hot summer day

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Do not mix lettuce and croutons if storing; they’ll get soggy.
Store pasta and dressing separately in airtight containers.
Caesar dressing keeps well for 3–5 days in the fridge.
Mix salad just before serving for best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes! Just store the dressing and lettuce separately. Assemble right before serving for freshness.

What kind of pasta works best?

Short, sturdy types like rotini, penne, or bow tie pasta hold dressing well and are easy to eat.

Do I have to use anchovy paste?

No. It’s optional, but it adds that signature Caesar umami flavor. If you’re not a fan, skip it or try soy sauce or Worcestershire as an alternative.

Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?

Absolutely. A good-quality bottled Caesar dressing works if you’re in a pinch. But homemade always tastes better.

How do I make this salad healthier?

Swap mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt in the dressing
Add extra veggies like cherry tomatoes, kale, or shredded carrots
Use whole grain pasta for extra fiber

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Ready to whip up a 20-minute Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad that’s creamy, crunchy, and completely crave-worthy? This one-bowl wonder is your answer to weeknight simplicity and potluck perfection.