Here’s a fresh, hearty Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad recipe — creamy, zesty, and perfect for lunch, potlucks, or a light dinner.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie work best)
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (grilled, baked, or rotisserie, diced or shredded)
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- ½ cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and let cool.
Prepare ingredients: Chop chicken, lettuce, and any optional veggies.
Combine: In a large bowl, toss together cooled pasta, chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and onion.
Dress: Add Caesar dressing and toss gently until everything is coated.
Top: Sprinkle with Parmesan, add croutons just before serving (to keep them crunchy).
Finish: Season with black pepper and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
✨ Tips & Variations:
Use whole wheat pasta or chickpea pasta for extra fiber/protein.
Add crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
Make it ahead: mix everything except lettuce and croutons, then add those just before serving to keep them crisp.