If you are looking for a dish that combines the fresh, crisp flavors of a classic salad with the hearty comfort of pasta and protein, this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is nothing short of a knockout. It brings together tender, perfectly seasoned chicken, crunchy romaine, juicy grape tomatoes, and cheesy Parmesan all tossed in a luscious Caesar dressing with a zesty twist of lemon. Every bite offers a delightful harmony of textures and flavors that’s as satisfying as it is refreshing—ideal for lunches, picnics, or a simple weeknight dinner that feels special.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is straightforward but essential to achieve that perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. Each component plays a key role, from the al dente pasta providing a chewy base to the fresh vegetables that add crunch and brightness.

1 lb. penne: The ideal pasta shape to hold onto the creamy dressing and mix-ins without overpowering.
1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken to achieve a golden, juicy finish.
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, adding hearty flavor and satisfying substance.
1 tsp. Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that seasons the chicken beautifully with herbs like oregano and basil.
1 tsp. garlic powder: Adds that savory depth to the chicken’s crust without overpowering.
Kosher salt: Enhances every layer of flavor, both in pasta water and chicken seasoning.
2 cups chopped romaine lettuce: Brings a fresh crunch and a burst of green color.
1 cup halved grape tomatoes: Their juicy sweetness balances the savory elements perfectly.
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan: Offers a nutty, salty finish that’s classic Caesar salad fare.
½ cup croutons: Adds an irresistible crunch throughout the dish.
⅔ cup Caesar dressing: Creamy, tangy, and packed with umami, it’s the glue that brings everything together.
Juice of ½ lemon: A splash of brightness that lightens and lifts the dressing’s flavor.
1 tbsp. freshly chopped parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of green as a subtle herbaceous note.
Freshly ground black pepper: A final seasoning touch to enhance the overall flavor profile.

How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking the penne until just al dente is crucial here because you want the pasta to hold its shape and texture when mixed with the dressing and other ingredients. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and transfer it to a large mixing bowl to cool slightly, preparing the base for our vibrant salad.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, start on your chicken by seasoning the boneless breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of kosher salt. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 8 minutes on each side until it reaches a golden brown and is cooked through. Let it rest for 10 minutes—a step that helps keep the chicken juicy—before slicing it into bite-sized pieces for the salad.

Step 3: Combine the Fresh Ingredients

Now, it’s time to bring the salad together by adding chopped romaine lettuce, halved grape tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, croutons, and the sliced chicken right into the bowl of cooked pasta. This mix of fresh and savory elements creates the perfect texture contrast to keep every bite exciting.

Step 4: Make and Toss the Dressing

In a separate bowl, whisk together the Caesar dressing with the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley, seasoning it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Pour this luscious dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure every bite is evenly coated with that creamy, tangy goodness. This finishing touch is what truly defines this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad.

How to Serve Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a handful of croutons just before serving add a final flourish, providing bursts of cheesy saltiness and crunch. You can also scatter freshly chopped parsley over the top for a touch of color and herbal brightness that makes the salad feel extra inviting.

Side Dishes

While the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a meal all on its own, it pairs beautifully with sides like garlic bread for a comforting carb boost or a simple bowl of fresh fruit to keep things light and balanced. A crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon elevates the dining experience without overpowering the salad’s flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this salad in individual mason jars for a fun picnic or party presentation, layering the heavier ingredients like chicken and pasta at the bottom and finishing with lettuce and croutons on top to stay crisp. Another idea is to arrange the salad on a large platter, garnished with lemon wedges, making it perfect for family-style dining or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad keeps very well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent sogginess, consider storing croutons separately and adding them just before serving.

Freezing

This salad isn’t ideal for freezing because the fresh vegetables and Caesar dressing don’t maintain their texture and flavor after thawing. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or refrigerated if prepared in advance.

Reheating

If you prefer your pasta salad slightly warmed, remove the lettuce and croutons, gently reheat the pasta and chicken in the microwave or on the stove, then toss everything together afterward. Otherwise, this salad tastes superb chilled, especially on warm days.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully because it holds the dressing well, other short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or farfalle also make great substitutes, depending on what you have on hand.

Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?

Yes, you can skip the chicken and add extra veggies such as grilled mushrooms, roasted chickpeas, or even tofu for protein. The Caesar dressing still provides that rich flavor that makes the salad satisfying.

What is the best Caesar dressing to use?

Store-bought options work great for convenience, but homemade Caesar dressing made with anchovies, garlic, lemon, and Parmesan elevates the dish with fresher, bolder flavors. Just pick what suits your time and taste.

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

You can prepare all the components ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving to keep lettuce crisp and croutons crunchy. The dressing can also be made up to two days in advance and stored refrigerated.

How can I make sure the chicken stays juicy?

Seasoning properly, cooking over medium heat, and letting the chicken rest after cooking are key to juicy chicken. Resting allows the juices to redistribute rather than spilling out when cut.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad has earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation thanks to its effortless assembly, vibrant flavors, and crowd-pleasing appeal. It’s the kind of dish that feels both homey and a little bit special, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring solo after a busy day. Give this recipe a try—you might just find it becomes your new favorite go-to meal!

“`

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 29 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing and satisfying Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad that combines al dente penne pasta with tender, seasoned chicken breasts, crisp romaine lettuce, juicy grape tomatoes, crunchy croutons, and a creamy Caesar dressing enhanced with fresh lemon juice and parsley. Perfect for a light lunch or a delicious side dish at gatherings.

Instructions

Cook Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and transfer it to a large mixing bowl to cool slightly.
Prepare Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts evenly with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 8 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting into 1-inch pieces.
Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the chopped romaine lettuce, halved grape tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, croutons, and sliced chicken pieces to the bowl with the pasta.
Make Dressing and Toss: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the Caesar dressing, lemon juice, freshly chopped parsley, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Serve: Serve immediately for the best texture, or chill briefly in the refrigerator for a cool pasta salad experience.

Notes

Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
For a lighter version, use low-fat Caesar dressing or a Greek yogurt-based dressing.
Croutons add a delightful crunch, but can be omitted for a gluten-free version; consider toasted gluten-free bread cubes instead.
This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Add a squeeze more lemon juice for extra brightness if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Tossing
Cuisine: American