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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe | Fresh, Easy & Delicious

I just made this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe and let me tell you: it turned out so good I couldn’t wait to share it with you. This dish combines the classic Caesar-salad vibe with hearty pasta and chicken, making it a satisfying meal that feels both fresh and filling.

I love how the creamy, tangy dressing clings to the noodles and greens. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a potluck side. You can also enjoy similar flavors with a Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Recipe for a fun Tex-Mex twist.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need — and why each ingredient matters:

For the dressing:

2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard — gives a subtle tang and deeper flavor.
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice — brightens the dressing and balances the creaminess.
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce — adds savory, umami richness.
¾ cup mayonnaise — creates that classic creamy Caesar texture.
2 teaspoons minced garlic — essential for bold Caesar flavor.
1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional) — adds authentic Caesar depth; skip if you prefer.
⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese — grate fresh so the dressing clings better and tastes richer.

For the pasta salad:

8 oz. (about 225 g) uncooked pasta — rotini or penne hold the dressing well.
2 hearts of Romaine lettuce — crisp, refreshing, and perfect with the creamy pasta.
Shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped cooked chicken breasts — convenient and adds protein.
Croutons (optional) — for extra crunch and contrast.
Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving — freshly grated for maximum flavor.

Note: Several servings (about 10 servings based on ingredient quantity)

Variations

Here are some tasty ways to switch things up:

Make it dairy-free — replace mayo with a vegan alternative and use dairy-free Parmesan.
Go lighter — substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter dressing.
Skip chicken for a vegetarian version — the pasta and dressing still make it satisfying.
Swap the pasta — use whole wheat, gluten-free, or chickpea pasta to fit your diet.
Add-ins for extra flavor — cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, or toasted nuts add great contrast. You can also pair this salad with a Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe for a cheesy, hearty addition.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large pot — for boiling pasta.
Colander — to drain cooked pasta.
Large mixing bowl — where everything comes together.
Whisk — to blend the dressing smoothly.
Knife and cutting board — for chopping lettuce and chicken.

How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Make the Dressing

Whisk together Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, garlic, and anchovy paste until smooth. Stir in the grated Parmesan and a pinch of black pepper. Set the dressing aside so the flavors blend while you prepare the rest.

Cook the Pasta

Bring salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente. Drain well, then add the warm pasta to a large mixing bowl. The slight warmth helps the pasta absorb more of the dressing later.

Assemble the Salad

Chop the Romaine into bite-sized pieces and add it to the bowl with the pasta. Mix in the shredded chicken, then pour the dressing over everything. Toss gently until well coated. Add croutons and extra Parmesan right before serving.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

After making this recipe several times, here’s what always works for me:

I grate Parmesan fresh — it melts into the dressing perfectly and boosts the flavor.
I cool the pasta slightly before tossing with lettuce — it keeps the greens crisp and fresh.
I keep dressing separate if I’m prepping ahead — mixing everything last-minute prevents sogginess.
I add a little extra lemon juice before serving — it brightens the whole dish instantly.

How to Serve Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature in a large shallow bowl so every ingredient is visible. Top with Parmesan shavings and a handful of croutons for height and crunch. Adding a lemon wedge on the side gives a refreshing final touch.

Nutritional Information

Approximate nutrition per serving:

Calories: 277
Protein: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fat: 15 g

Make Ahead and Storage

You can make the dressing up to 2 days ahead and store it in the fridge. Keep pasta, chicken, and lettuce separate, and mix them right before serving. If the salad is fully assembled and dressed, store it for up to 1 day — the flavor stays great, but the lettuce may soften.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad becomes a repeat recipe fast:

It’s ready in 20 minutes — perfect for busy days.
It’s customizable — adjust ingredients for dietary needs or preferences.
It works as a full meal — pasta, protein, and greens in one bowl.
It’s great for gatherings — easy to scale and always a hit.
It’s flexible — you can add veggies, use different proteins, or adjust the dressing to taste.

Ben Carraoli