This post is sponsored by Yumbox. I often talk about how Caesar salad has been the gateway salad for my kids—or the type of salad that helped them to realize that they actually, in fact, enjoy salad! And by adding pasta and chicken to the mix, we can easily turn it into a kid-friendly meal that works for dinner or lunch. This meal is super versatile, too. You can make it with my homemade Caesar dressing and Italian Chicken Cutlets or Baked Chicken Tenders. Or you can use store-bought dressing and rotisserie chicken. You can mix it all together or serve it deconstructed with the dressing as a dip if the kids prefer it that way. I love packing the ingredients for this easy pasta salad up into Yumbox lunch boxes as nutritious lunches for my two elementary age kids. It holds up well in the leak-proof lunchbox, which are also super easy for my kindergartener to open on his own—which is key in a little kids lunchbox! They make a few styles, so you can pick the design that works best with the types of foods you usually send for your kids lunches. Find the full range of Yumbox options, including insulated lunch bags and snack bags, too. (You may also like Protein Lunch Ideas, Pesto Pasta Salad, Healthy Pasta Salad with Chicken, and Farro Salad.)
Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at how to make this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad so you know what to have on hand or pick up from the store. Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.
Pasta: You can use any type of cooked pasta in this recipe, though I prefer shorter shapes like wagon wheels, farfalle, penne, fusilli, or rotini. Olive oil: We add a little olive oil to the cooked pasta as it cools so it doesn’t stick together and is easy to mix into the salad. Chicken: You can use any cooked chicken that your family likes or that you have on hand including rotisserie chicken, chicken cutlets, Chicken Bites, chicken breast, chicken thighs—even chicken nuggets! Romaine lettuce: Shredded romaine gives the pasta salad the crunch we want. I like to shred crisp romaine lettuce it so it’s easy for the kids to eat. Croutons: I prefer “Caesar croutons” since they tend to have the flavor we expect in a restaurant-style Caesar salad, so look for those at your store. Caesar dressing: You can use store bought dressing or my homemade Caesar dressing, which is easy to stir together using mayonnaise or yogurt, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon. Parmesan cheese: Extra Parmesan makes the whole pasta salad really come together flavor-wise.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Below is an overview of how to make the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad recipe so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of the post for the full information.
How to Store
Store leftover Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The lettuce may soften a little as it sits. You can also store the components of the dish separately and mix them together whenever you need an easy meal or have kids lunches to pack.
Best Tips for Success
You can make this salad with my Italian Chicken Cutlets or Baked Chicken Tenders or rotisserie chicken or other cooked chicken from the store. Use a gluten-free pasta as desired. Use gluten-free croutons if needed. Try my Easy Caesar dressing or one from the store. Mix the pasta salad together or serve the elements side-by-side so everyone can mix and match as they like. The dressing can also be used as a dip if the kids prefer to eat it that way. Add halved cherry tomatoes, black pepper, or extra lemon juice if you like.
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title: “Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad” ShowToc: true date: “2024-10-25” author: “Donna Bowden”
Chicken caesar salad is known for its tangy Caesar dressing and crunchy croutons but by combining a classic caesar salad with pasta, we create a potluck perfect dish that is both satisfying and refreshing, perfect for warmer months. The crunchy croutons and freshly grated parmesan cheese add texture and depth to the salad. The homemade dressing, with its hint of garlic and Worcestershire sauce, provides the perfect tangy complement to the salad ingredients. And you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken or freshly grilled chicken breasts because this is summer and there are no rules. For more delicious pasta salad recipes, check out my BLT Pasta Salad, Greek Pasta Salad, Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad, Cold Pasta Salad with Seafood, and Italian Pasta Salad!
Why We Love This Recipe
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a complete meal in one bowl, combining protein from the chicken, carbs from the pasta, and fresh vegetables, ensuring a balanced dish that will keep you full and satisfied. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken and transform it into something exciting with minimal effort. This recipe is also easy to adapt for different dietary needs by using gluten-free pasta or a different type of protein.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Provides the main protein for the salad. You can substitute with chicken thighs or rotisserie chicken for convenience. Salted butter – Adds flavor and helps cook the chicken. Pasta – Use any short pasta like rotini, bow tie, or even whole wheat pasta. Freshly grated parmesan cheese – Essential for a true Caesar flavor. Freshly grated is best for taste and texture. Chopped romaine lettuce – Adds crunch and freshness. Romaine hearts work best. Croutons – Homemade or store-bought for added crunch. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper – For seasoning.
Creamy Dressing Ingredients:
Mayonnaise – Forms the creamy base of the dressing. Minced garlic – Adds a robust garlic flavor. Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth and umami. Dijon mustard – Provides a slight tang and richness. Lemon juice – Adds acidity and freshness.
How to Make Chicken Caesar Salad
Tips for Success
For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients, especially when it comes to the parmesan cheese and the romaine lettuce. Freshly grated parmesan and crisp lettuce will make a big difference. Cook the pasta until al dente to ensure it holds up well in the salad. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when mixed with the dressing. Make sure to season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper before cooking. This adds flavor and ensures that every bite of chicken is tasty.
Substitutions and Variations
Swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs, rotisserie chicken, or even grilled shrimp. You can use gluten-free pasta, whole wheat pasta, or any small pasta shape like farfalle or penne. Substitute parmesan cheese with asiago or pecorino romano for a different flavor profile. Romaine lettuce works best, but you can also use mixed greens or kale. For a lighter version, use a homemade Greek yogurt Caesar dressing or your favorite store-bought variety.
More Delicious Salad Recipes You’ll Love
Frito Corn Salad Creamy German Cucumber Salad CPK Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad Fig & Pistachio Salad with Easy Balsamic Dressing Greek Potato Salad Chinese Chicken Salad BBQ Chicken Cobb Salad Loaded Baked Potato Salad
You can serve this salad as a side dish with grilled meats like steak, pork chops, or shrimp. It’s a versatile addition to any barbecue or family gathering. Pair the salad with a warm soup for a comforting meal. A tomato basil soup or a creamy potato soup would complement the flavors of the Caesar dressing perfectly.
