Tender chicken, al dente pasta, crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, crispy bacon, and crunchy croutons tossed in creamy Caesar dressing—this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a flavor-packed favorite perfect for lunch, dinner, or your next potluck.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Salad
This isn’t just your average pasta salad—it’s a full meal in a bowl. It combines the best of a classic Caesar salad with hearty pasta and protein-packed chicken for a dish that’s light, filling, and irresistibly good. Whether you’re serving it cold on a hot day or packing it for a weekday lunch, this dish delivers every time.
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or any pasta you like: penne, bowtie, macaroni)
- 1 lb grilled chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 10 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup croutons (try garlic croutons for extra flavor)
- 1½ cups Caesar dressing (bottled or homemade)
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated or shaved
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and let cool. - Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped chicken, romaine, tomatoes, bacon, croutons, and parmesan. - Toss with Dressing
Add Caesar dressing and toss everything together until evenly coated. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. - Serve
Serve immediately or chill before serving for an even more refreshing flavor.
Helpful Tips & Variations
- Use Any Cooked Chicken: Grilled, baked, rotisserie, or even leftover chicken works great.
- Customize Your Protein: Swap chicken for steak, shrimp, or pork if you prefer.
- Try a Twist: Add a dollop of anchovy paste for a punch of umami.
- Crouton Hack: Olive Garden croutons add an extra garlicky kick we love.
- Make It Ahead: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add croutons just before serving for maximum crunch.
What to Serve With It
This pasta salad pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls
- Fresh Fruit Salad
- Grilled or Roasted Veggies
- A Light Soup (like tomato basil or beer cheese)
Whether it’s for a backyard barbecue, a holiday potluck, or just a quick weekday dinner, this pasta salad is always a hit.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is the ultimate all-in-one dish—fresh, creamy, crunchy, and so easy to pull together. With just a few pantry staples and your favorite Caesar dressing, you can create a meal that’s satisfying, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for any occasion.