Description
Creamy, savory, and packed with flavor, this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is everything you love about a Caesar salad—plus hearty pasta and juicy grilled chicken. It’s perfect for meal prep, summer potlucks, or an easy weeknight dinner. The romaine adds crispness, the Parmesan adds depth, and the Caesar dressing ties it all together in the most satisfying way. Whether served cold or room temp, this salad will easily become a go-to favorite that’s both simple to make and impressive to serve.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (grilled, roasted, or rotisserie), chopped or shredded
- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup shaved Parmesan (for topping)
- 1 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup croutons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente. Rinse under cold water and drain well.
- If not using pre-cooked chicken, season and grill or pan-sear until fully cooked. Let rest and slice.
- Chop and wash romaine lettuce. Dry thoroughly.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, romaine, cherry tomatoes, and grated Parmesan.
- Toss with Caesar dressing until evenly coated.
- Add croutons and shaved Parmesan right before serving.
- Garnish with black pepper and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
- Add extra lemon juice or dressing before serving leftovers.
- Try grilled shrimp or tofu as a substitute for chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad / Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Grilling
- Cuisine: American