Get ready to wow your taste buds with this ultra-satisfying Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad! It’s a delightful fusion of crisp romaine lettuce, juicy grilled chicken, tangy Caesar dressing, and all the beloved flavors of a classic Caesar salad, tossed together with pasta for a heartier twist. Every bite delivers a delightful crunch from the croutons and a creamy, savory punch from the Parmesan-spiked dressing. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or packing a picnic basket, this crowd-pleasing pasta salad is sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad:
- Quick and easy to prep in just 30 minutes
- Loaded with fresh, crunchy veggies like romaine, tomatoes, and cucumbers
- Tender grilled chicken adds protein for a more filling meal
- Crunchy croutons and shredded Parmesan bring that authentic Caesar salad flavor
- Versatile recipe that works as a main dish salad or side salad
- Ideal for make-ahead picnics, potlucks, or easy meal prep
Ingredients:
- Hearty penne pasta, cooked al dente
- Juicy grilled chicken breasts, chopped or shredded
- Crisp romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- Crunchy cucumber, shredded carrots, sliced green onions
- Bright cherry tomatoes, halved
- Shredded or shaved Parmesan cheese
- Crunchy croutons (homemade or store-bought)
- Creamy Caesar salad dressing (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool completely.
- Grill, bake, or pan-sear the chicken breasts until cooked through. Allow to cool slightly before chopping or shredding into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped chicken, romaine lettuce, cucumber, carrots, green onions, tomatoes, Parmesan, and croutons.
- Drizzle in your desired amount of creamy Caesar dressing and toss everything together until evenly coated.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan, croutons or chopped parsley if desired.
- For best flavor, let the salad chill for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Pro Tips:
- Use a high-quality store-bought or homemade Caesar dressing for maximum flavor.
- Toss the salad gently to keep the lettuce from getting soggy.
- Prepare all the salad components in advance and store separately until ready to toss together.
- For meal prep, pack the dressing separately and toss with salad right before eating.
- Add sliced avocado, bacon bits, or grilled shrimp for extra indulgence!
Make-Ahead Instructions:
All the salad components can be prepped 1-2 days in advance. Keep the lettuce, chicken, veggies and dressing stored separately until ready to toss together.
This Crunchy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad has all the makings of a new warm weather favorite! With its satisfying mix of flavors and textures, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any potluck or backyard bash. Dig in and enjoy this fresh, wholesome twist on the classic Caesar salad.
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CHICKEN CAESAR PASTA SALAD
Ingredients
- 6 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, grilled and chopped
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cucumber chopped
- 1 carrot shredded
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 1/2 cup croutons
- Creamy Caesar salad dressing to taste
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta according to package, drain and let cool completely.
- Grill chicken breasts, let cool slightly then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, toss together the pasta, chicken, romaine, cucumber, carrots, green onion, tomatoes, Parmesan and croutons.
- Drizzle in desired amount of Caesar dressing and toss to coat everything evenly.
- For best flavor, let the salad chill for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish with extra Parm and croutons before serving if desired.
Notes
- Use a high-quality store-bought or homemade Caesar dressing.
- Toss salad gently to prevent the lettuce from getting soggy.
- Prep all components in advance and store separately until ready to toss together.
- For meal prep, pack dressing separately and toss with salad right before eating.
