Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

In just 30 minutes, you can create a crowd-pleasing Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad that will leave your guests craving for more. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious flavors. Perfect for your next dinner, potluck or picnic.

Ingredient amounts and entire recipe directions in recipe card below with print option!

Which Brands Did I Use For This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad?

Sometimes when it comes to Semihomemade recipe that use packaged foods to create meals, the brands of items can make or break a dish. I don’t think this ALWAYS happens but I do know that not all packaged items are created equally.

Chicken: I used the Perdue already cooked grilled chicken for this pasta salad. Using the pre-cooked chicken makes this a super fast dinner. You can also cook and chop chicken breasts for this recipe. A chopped rotisserie chicken would also work.

Pasta: I used farfalle (bow-tie) pasta but choose your favorite type of pasta for this salad. Traditional options like penne or rotini work well, but feel free to use something like fusilli too.

Romaine lettuce: Fresh and crisp, romaine lettuce is the classic base for a Caesar salad. Grab a head and wash it thoroughly before using.

Parmesan cheese: Shaved Parmesan cheese adds a delightful tangy and nutty flavor to the salad. Make sure you have enough to sprinkle generously. I used Frigo Shaved Cheese because that is what my grocery store had, but use your favorite brand.

Caesar dressing: You can make your own if you’re feeling up to it but I love using 1 cup Kens Creamy Caesar Dressing for this recipe. You’ll need about 1 cup of dressing. I have a recipe for homemade Caesar salad dressing here on BigBearsWife.com if you’d rather try that.

Croutons: Crispy croutons lend a satisfying crunch to the salad. You can either purchase ready-made croutons or make your own by toasting cubes of day-old bread with olive oil and seasonings. I just grabbed the store brand.

Salt and Pepper: These pantry staples will be used to season pasta, so make sure you have them on hand but brand shouldn’t matter.

Now that you have mastered the art of creating a crowd-pleasing chicken Caesar pasta salad in just 30 minutes, it’s time to take your salad-making skills to the next level. Here are some tips and variations to help you elevate your culinary masterpiece even further.

1. Experiment with Different Greens: While romaine lettuce is the classic choice for a Caesar salad, don’t be afraid to explore other greens. Spinach, kale, or even arugula can add a unique flavor and texture to your pasta salad. Mix and match your greens to create a salad that suits your taste buds.
2. Add Colorful Vegetables: While the traditional Caesar salad typically includes only lettuce and croutons, you can make your pasta salad more vibrant and nutritious by adding colorful vegetables. Consider adding cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, sliced bell peppers, or thinly sliced cucumbers. These additions not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a refreshing crunch.
3. Play with Protein Options: While chicken is a fantastic choice for a protein-packed pasta salad, don’t limit yourself to just one option. You can substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. Be creative and choose a protein that complements the flavors of the salad.
4. Get Adventurous with Dressing: While a classic Caesar dressing is a tried-and-true option, don’t hesitate to experiment with different dressings to add a new dimension to your pasta salad. Try a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, a creamy avocado dressing, or a zesty lemon herb dressing. The right dressing can take your salad from ordinary to extraordinary.
5. Enhance with Additional Toppings: To add texture and flavor, consider incorporating additional toppings into your chicken Caesar pasta salad. Toasted pine nuts, extra grated Parmesan cheese, or even crispy bacon bits can take your salad to the next level. Don’t be shy to sprinkle on some extra goodness.

Serving Suggestions! What Should I Serve With This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe?

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad can be an entire meal but you can leave out the chicken and serve it as a side dish. If you’re going to do that, here are a few dishes to serve with it:

• Easy Herb Garlic Chicken Thighs
• French Bread Margarita Pizza
• Easy Pizza Roll Ups
• Air Fryer Honey Glazed Chicken Thighs
• Cajun Baked Chicken Legs

More Pasta Salad Recipes:

• Cold Ranch Pasta Salad
• Easy Greek Pasta Salad
• Summer Macaroni Salad with a Twist
• Ham and Cheese Pasta Salad – No Mayonnaise

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Yield: 4 large dinners or about 12 party servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 13 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

In just 30 minutes, you can create a crowd-pleasing Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad that will leave your guests craving for more. Don't hesitate to give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious flavors. Perfect for your next dinner, potluck or picnic.

Print

Ingredients

• 12 ounces farfalle pasta
• 16 ounces, chopped cooked chicken*
• 1 cup Kens Creamy Caesar Dressing
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 heart of romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
• 1/2 cup shaved parmesan cheese
• Croutons

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add pasta and cook for 13 minutes.
3. Drain.
4. Pour pasta into a large mixing bowl.
5. Add in chicken, dressing, salt and pepper.
6. Stir until completely combined.
7. Add in chopped lettuce and cheese.
8. Stir well.
9. Top with croutons right before serving.

Notes

*you can cook and chop chicken or use something like the Perdue's already cooked grilled chicken. Using the precooked chicken helps get this on the table in no time.

This pasta salad can be served warm or cold.

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