Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Why You’ll Love Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

• The homemade dressing elevates the salad far beyond the typical jar‑bought version, offering bold flavors and that classic Caesar tang.

• It brings together two favorites — pasta salad and chicken Caesar salad — into one bowl, making it a great all‑in‑one meal.

• It’s versatile: you can serve it for a casual weeknight dinner, bring it to a potluck, or keep it as a side for a larger spread.

• Prep is fast (about 20 minutes), which makes it perfect for when you want something flavorful without lots of fuss.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the dressing:

• Dijon mustard

• Fresh lemon juice

• Worcestershire sauce

• Mayonnaise

• Minced garlic

• Anchovy paste (optional)

• Finely grated Parmesan cheese

• Black pepper

For the pasta salad:

• Uncooked pasta (rotini or penne work well)

• Romaine hearts

• Shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped cooked chicken breasts

• Croutons (optional)

• Additional Parmesan cheese for serving

Directions

1. Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, minced garlic and anchovy paste until well combined. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and a bit of black pepper. Set the dressing aside while you make the salad.

2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente (about 10 minutes). Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large serving bowl.

3. Assemble the salad: Cut the Romaine hearts into roughly 1‑inch pieces, then add them and the prepared chicken to the bowl with the pasta.

4. Toss and serve: Add the prepared dressing and toss everything to combine. If using, add the croutons and sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Servings and timing

• Prep time: approx. 10 minutes

• Cook time: approx. 10 minutes

• Total time: approx. 20 minutes

• Servings: about 10 portions

Variations

• Swap the pasta for cheesy tortellini to add more richness and variation.

• Omit the chicken to turn this into a vegetarian‑friendly side salad.

• Instead of rotisserie chicken, use grilled shrimp, seared steak or roasted salmon for a different protein twist.

• Add extra vegetables like cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, or celery for additional texture and color.

• If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute plain Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Cover and refrigerate any leftover salad. The lettuce will stay crispest if you add it just before serving rather than tossing too early.

• Reheating: This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature — avoid reheating as the dressing and lettuce textures change when warmed.

• For optimal texture when storing: keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving if you expect leftovers.

FAQs

What type of pasta works best?

Short, sturdy shapes like rotini or penne work best because they hold the dressing and mix well with the other ingredients.

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes — you can whisk together the dressing ahead and keep it refrigerated. Then just toss it with the pasta and salad components when you’re ready to serve.

Is anchovy paste required in the dressing?

No — it’s optional. It adds that classic savory “Caesar” depth, but you can omit it if you don’t have it or prefer not to use it.

How can I make this salad vegetarian?

Simply omit the chicken and you have a satisfying pasta and lettuce salad. To keep the protein up, you could add chickpeas, white beans or grilled tofu.

Can I use another protein instead of chicken?

Yes — grilled shrimp, seared steak or roasted salmon are all excellent substitutes that turn this into a more elevated main dish.

How long will leftovers keep?

Stored covered in the fridge, the salad will keep well for 1 to 2 days. The lettuce will be crispest if you add it right before serving.

Should I add the croutons ahead or just before serving?

For maximum crunch, add the croutons just before serving — they can get soggy if tossed in too early and left standing.

Can I lighten the dressing?

Yes — you can substitute plain Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise to reduce fat while maintaining creaminess.

What if I don’t have rotisserie chicken?

That’s fine — you can use chopped cooked chicken breasts, leftover grilled chicken or even shredded turkey.

Will the lettuce wilt if prepared in advance?

It can — to keep the lettuce crisp, add it just before serving or keep it separate until you’re ready to toss everything together.

Conclusion

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad brings together the best of pasta salad and Caesar salad in one bowl. With its creamy homemade dressing, no‑fuss preparation and flexible ingredient swaps, it’s a winner for quick dinners, casual entertaining or meal prep. Whip it up, toss it together and enjoy a flavour‑packed dish that’s as simple as it is satisfying.