Get ready to wow your taste buds with this ultra-satisfying Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad! It’s a delightful fusion of crisp romaine lettuce, juicy grilled chicken, tangy Caesar dressing, and all the beloved flavors of a classic Caesar salad, tossed together with pasta for a heartier twist. Every bite delivers a delightful crunch from the croutons and a creamy, savory punch from the Parmesan-spiked dressing. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or packing a picnic basket, this crowd-pleasing pasta salad is sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad:

  • Quick and easy to prep in just 30 minutes
  • Loaded with fresh, crunchy veggies like romaine, tomatoes, and cucumbers
  • Tender grilled chicken adds protein for a more filling meal
  • Crunchy croutons and shredded Parmesan bring that authentic Caesar salad flavor
  • Versatile recipe that works as a main dish salad or side salad
  • Ideal for make-ahead picnics, potlucks, or easy meal prep

Ingredients:

  • Hearty penne pasta, cooked al dente
  • Juicy grilled chicken breasts, chopped or shredded
  • Crisp romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • Crunchy cucumber, shredded carrots, sliced green onions
  • Bright cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Shredded or shaved Parmesan cheese
  • Crunchy croutons (homemade or store-bought)
  • Creamy Caesar salad dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool completely.
  2. Grill, bake, or pan-sear the chicken breasts until cooked through. Allow to cool slightly before chopping or shredding into bite-sized pieces.
  3. In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped chicken, romaine lettuce, cucumber, carrots, green onions, tomatoes, Parmesan, and croutons.
  4. Drizzle in your desired amount of creamy Caesar dressing and toss everything together until evenly coated.
  5. Garnish with extra Parmesan, croutons or chopped parsley if desired.
  6. For best flavor, let the salad chill for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Pro Tips:

  • Use a high-quality store-bought or homemade Caesar dressing for maximum flavor.
  • Toss the salad gently to keep the lettuce from getting soggy.
  • Prepare all the salad components in advance and store separately until ready to toss together.
  • For meal prep, pack the dressing separately and toss with salad right before eating.
  • Add sliced avocado, bacon bits, or grilled shrimp for extra indulgence!

Make-Ahead Instructions:

All the salad components can be prepped 1-2 days in advance. Keep the lettuce, chicken, veggies and dressing stored separately until ready to toss together.

This Crunchy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad has all the makings of a new warm weather favorite! With its satisfying mix of flavors and textures, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any potluck or backyard bash. Dig in and enjoy this fresh, wholesome twist on the classic Caesar salad.


CHICKEN CAESAR PASTA SALAD



A delicious pasta salad version of the classic Caesar salad, loaded with grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, Parmesan, crunchy croutons and a creamy Caesar dressing.

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 6 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, grilled and chopped
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1/2 cucumber chopped
  • 1 carrot shredded
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions
  • 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 1/2 cup croutons
  • Creamy Caesar salad dressing to taste



Instructions

  • Cook penne pasta according to package, drain and let cool completely.
  • Grill chicken breasts, let cool slightly then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  • In a large bowl, toss together the pasta, chicken, romaine, cucumber, carrots, green onion, tomatoes, Parmesan and croutons.
  • Drizzle in desired amount of Caesar dressing and toss to coat everything evenly.
  • For best flavor, let the salad chill for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  • Garnish with extra Parm and croutons before serving if desired.



Notes

  • Use a high-quality store-bought or homemade Caesar dressing.
  • Toss salad gently to prevent the lettuce from getting soggy.
  • Prep all components in advance and store separately until ready to toss together.
  • For meal prep, pack dressing separately and toss with salad right before eating.