Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad offers the best of both worlds: the satisfying heartiness of pasta and chicken paired with the refreshing crunch of romaine lettuce and the bold flavors of Caesar dressing. It’s easy to make ahead, customizable with your favorite toppings, and ideal for serving cold on warm days.

Ingredients

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

Salad

2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed or sliced
8 oz pasta (penne, bowtie, or fusilli), cooked al dente
4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Dressing

½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for dressing)
1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)

Toppings

½ cup garlicky breadcrumbs or crushed croutons
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Prepare Ingredients

Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
Season and cook chicken breasts by grilling, baking, or pan-frying until fully cooked. Let cool slightly, then cube or slice.
Wash, dry, and chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.

Make Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, and anchovy paste (if using) until smooth. Slowly whisk in a thin stream of olive oil to emulsify and achieve a creamy texture.

Assemble Salad

In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, romaine lettuce, and Parmesan cheese. Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat evenly.
Just before serving, sprinkle garlicky breadcrumbs and fresh parsley on top.

Serve

Serve cold, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
Add grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor and color.
Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to lighten the dressing.
Add hard-boiled eggs or avocado slices for extra protein and creaminess.
Customize toppings to your preference.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Best served cold or at room temperature. Toss before serving to redistribute dressing.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead?

Yes, prepare and refrigerate. Add crunchy toppings just before serving.

Is anchovy paste necessary?

No, it’s optional but adds authentic Caesar flavor.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely, it’s a convenient shortcut.

How to keep romaine crisp?

Add lettuce just before serving or toss with dressing right before eating.

Can I add other greens?

Yes, kale or spinach are good additions or substitutes.

Is this salad low carb?

Contains pasta, so moderate carbs; omit pasta for a low-carb version.

Can I make it vegan?

Use vegan mayonnaise, omit chicken and cheese, and add plant-based protein.

What kind of pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, bowtie, or fusilli hold dressing well.

Can I freeze this salad?

Not recommended; dressing and lettuce texture degrade.

How do I adjust the dressing?

Add more lemon juice for tang or more garlic for boldness.

Conclusion

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a flavorful, hearty, and refreshing dish that’s perfect for quick meals or entertaining. With tender chicken, crisp lettuce, and a creamy Caesar dressing tossed with pasta, it’s a satisfying blend of textures and tastes everyone will love. Easy to customize and quick to make, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.