• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

One Sweet Appetite

Easy Everyday Recipes

  • Recipe Index
    • Breakfast
    • Camping Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Holiday
    • Party
  • Breakfast
    • Muffins and Pastries
    • Egg Recipes
    • Jelly and Jam Recipes
    • Pancakes, Waffles, French toast
    • Oat Recipes
    • Smoothie Recipes
  • Easy Dinners
    • Main Dish Recipes
    • Pasta Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dish Recipes
    • Slow Cooker Meals
    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • Condiments and Sauces
  • Desserts
    • Brownie and Bar Recipes
    • Cake and Cupcake Recipes
    • Cookie Recipes
    • Frozen Dessert Recipes
    • Pie Recipes
  • Drinks
    • Cocktails
    • Coffee
    • Non Alcoholic Drinks
Home » Dinner Recipes » Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

2 Comments By Jesseca on August 2, 2022

Jump SaveSaved! Share Pin

Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a quick weeknight dinner you are going to LOVE. Salad meets pasta in this dish that comes together in under 20 minutes! Great way to use leftovers and picky eater approved!

A fun twist on the classic Pasta Salad, this recipe is best served as a stand alone dish OR as a side to your summer BBQ’s! We like to serve with a tall glass of Mint Limeade.

Close up image of a teal bowl filled with pasta salad

RECIPE FEATURES

  • Quick: You’ll have this salad tossed together in under 20 minutes.
  • Easy to Customize: Add your favorite salad toppings for a quick and easy meal.
  • Family Favorite: Not a fan of Caesar dressing? Swap it for ranch! We serve this dish all summer long.

I am OBSESSED with this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. It is by far one of my favorite recipes that was heavily inspired by my friend Ali over at the cupcake diaries and her new cookbook!

I mean, look at this salad! Crisp romaine lettuce, pre cooked chopped chicken, Parmesan cheese… It is a combination that is made in food heaven and so simple to customize (we’ll talk toppings later)!

Cookbook sun and sizzle on a wooden table

CHICKEN CAESAR PASTA SALAD INGREDIENTS

This easy summer recipe is as tasty as it sounds. We have made it time and time again with grilled OR baked chicken. That means it is an excellent way to use up leftovers. Win? I like to think so. It is incredibly delicious no matter which route you go. Here is what you need to get started:

  • Pasta: We like to use either bowtie pasta(farfalle) or Rotini. the bowtie goes over well with our kid, and the rotini soaks up all of that delicious Caesar flavor.
  • Salt, Pepper and Garlic Powder: The seasonings are simple and tie everything together.
  • Caesar Dressing: Pick your favorite. We are currently obsessed with Brianna’s Asiago Caesar Dressing (affiliate). It is so creamy and full of flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: You’ll be surprised how far a squeeze of lemon juice can go in a dish. It lightens the flavor and adds the perfect amount of acidity.
  • Lettuce: Our go-to is romaine, but iceberg will work as well.
  • Toppings: Keep it simple with tomatoes, Parmesan, and chicken OR go crazy and pile on the veggies. We love to sprinkle a hefty portion of croutons just before serving.
  • Chicken: Leftovers work extremely well in this recipe, but you can always make fresh grilled chicken!
Pasta salad ingredients in a glass bowl ready to be mixed

HOW TO MAKE GRILLED CHICKEN PASTA SALAD

  • PREP: Gather your ingredients. Cook the pasta according to the package directions with the salt. Drain, allowing it to sit in the strainer for a few minutes to allow the excess water to drain.
  • TOSS: Add everything to a mixing bowl and gently toss to combine. Add dressing just before serving to avoid soggy lettuce and vegetables.
  • ENJOY: Serve and enjoy!

HELPFUL TOOLS

  • Salad Spinner: I honestly waited WAY too long to purchase my own salad spinner (affiliate). Let me tell you, this was worth every penny. Having dry greens means the dressing can stick to every bite making it even more delicious.
  • Mixing Bowls: My current obsession are these nesting mixing bowls (affiliate). They stack nicely together, which means storage is a snap, and come with shredding attachments.
  • Salad Tongs: These tongs (affiliate) are a new addition to my kitchen, and boy-oh-boy do I love them. They make tossing and serving the salad a breeze. No more tiny scoops!
close up of salad ingredients including lettuce, chicken, dressing, and tomatoes

RECIPE TIPS AND FAQS

One tip? Make sure you purchase quality Caesar dressing. This is where you will get about 80% of your flavor. Since it coats all of the ingredients you want to make sure you pick a flavor packed version.

What is the best Caesar dressing? 

We have tried SO many different versions and brands. This short list is our go-to’s or favorites, but there are dozens out there we haven’t gotten to sample yet. 
Ken’s Chef’s Reserve Creamy Caesar With Roasted Garlic
Girard’s Classic Caesar Dressing
Newman’s Own Creamy Caesar Dressing

Can you make this recipe in advance?

Yes, and no. You can toss the ingredients together up to 24 hours in advance. However, wait to add the dressing until just before serving. This keeps the lettuce crisp and keeps the noodles from soaking up the dressing.

How long does this pasta salad last?

This salad is best eaten the same day it is made.

What other toppings can be added?

Don’t limit yourself! Add any additional toppings you’d like. We love croutons and almost any chopped veggie.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad in a teel bowl

MORE MUST-TRY SALADS

  • 30-Minute Taco Salad
  • Applebee’s Oriental Chicken Salad Recipe
  • The BEST Cobb Salad
  • Strawberry Poppyseed Salad from Panera
  • Veggie Packed Pasta Sauce
  • Fresh Tomato Pasta
  • Chicken Caprese Pasta Salad

Still Hungry? Follow One Sweet Appetite on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!

5 from 1 vote

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Created by: Jesseca

Course Dinner Recipes
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
4 servings
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. Grilled chicken is tossed with Caesar dressing, cooked pasta, beautiful cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese for a lite weekday meal! 
Print
Pin
Share
Rate
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Penne Pasta
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup Caesar dressing
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 Tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 head romaine lettuce chopped
  • 10 oz grape tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups grilled chicken diced

Instructions

  • Cook pasta with salt according to package directions. Allow the pasta to strain for 5-10 minutes. The lets off extra moisture keeping your salad fresh longer.
  • Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add the remaining ingredients.
  • Gently toss and serve.

Notes

  • Can you make this recipe in advance?
    Yes, and no. You can toss the ingredients together up to 24 hours in advance. However, wait to add the dressing until just before serving. This keeps the lettuce crisp and keeps the noodles from soaking up the dressing.
  • How long does this pasta salad last?
    This salad is best eaten the same day it is made.
  • What other toppings can be added?
    Don’t limit yourself! Add any additional toppings you’d like. We love croutons and almost any chopped veggie

Nutrition

Serving: 1Servings | Calories: 427kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 31g | Cholesterol: 147mg | Sodium: 2220mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 6g

Equipment

Chef Knife
Kitchen Tongs
Salad Bowl

Did You Make This Recipe?

Share it with me on Instagram @1sweetappetite and follow pinterest for more!

Email Recipe Pin Recipe Share Recipe
pinterest graphic image with text overlay reading "quick and easy caesar pasta salad"

Sharing is caring!

55 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
« Previous
Strawberry and Cream Milkshake
Next »
Chocolate Cake Donut Recipe

Reader Interactions

Find even more recipes!

Be sure to share it in the comments below and follow me on Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram for even more delicious recipes.

    Leave a Review! Cancel reply

    Share your thoughts below, I love to see your creations!
    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
    Recipe Rating




    Comments & Reviews

  1. Karen says

    June 2, 2016

    This was awesome!!! If I wanted to make a little bit more dressing, what would you suggest in the measurements?
    Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  2. Alli @ Cupcake Diaries says

    May 26, 2016

    Thank you so much for the kind words and your awesome review! I appreciate your friendship and for helping me promote my cookbook. Sure love you!!

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Jesseca - Author of One Sweet Appetite

Welcome, I'm Jesseca!

I could not be more excited to have you join me in my kitchen! Everyday easy recipes are my specialty, which means you will find so many fast, quick, and delicious recipes throughout my site. My goal is to create go-to recipes using simple ingredients and pantry staples.

More About Me

New Weekly Recipes

Subscribe for the latest recipes in your inbox!

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

Find a Recipe

Featured Recipes

  • Mini Key Lime Cheesecakes
  • Savannah Smiles Recipe
  • Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
  • Amazing Lemon Cheesecake Bars
  • Coconut Lime Frosted Sugar Cookies
  • Cherry Pie Bars

Browse Topics

  • Breakfast
  • Desserts
  • Air Fryer Recipes
  • Main Dish Recipes
  • Pasta Recipes
  • Salad Recipes
  • Side Dish Recipes
  • Slow Cooker Meals
  • Drink Recipes

New Weekly Recipes

Subscribe for the latest recipes in your inbox!

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

©2023, One Sweet Appetite. Contact Disclosure Privacy Policy Back To Top
Design by Pixel Me Designs
×

New Weekly Recipes

Subscribe for the latest recipes in your inbox!

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

55 shares