Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a fresh and flavorful twist on the traditional Caesar salad, made even better by adding tender pasta. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual dinners, and it’s ready in just 20 minutes. Juicy chicken, bowtie pasta, Romaine lettuce, and a creamy Caesar dressing are combined for a satisfying meal that’s both light and hearty.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the salad:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1.75 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 lb bowtie pasta (or other small pasta)

  • 10 oz bag Romaine lettuce, chopped

  • ⅔ cup diced tomatoes

  • ¾ cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)

  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar)

  • ⅔ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.

2. Cook the Pasta:
   While the chicken is cooking, prepare the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside in a large bowl.

3. Assemble the Salad:
   Add the cooked chicken to the bowl with the pasta. Add the chopped Romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, Caesar dressing, balsamic vinegar, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until well combined.

4. Serve:
   Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or dressing if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Nutrients

For one serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 466 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 22g

• Protein: 38g

• Fat: 24g

  • Saturated Fat: 5g

• Cholesterol: 100mg

• Sodium: 783mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 2g

Why Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is So Popular

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad has gained popularity due to its simplicity and versatility. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the classic Caesar salad in a more filling form by adding pasta and chicken. The pasta not only makes it more substantial but also helps to carry the dressing, allowing for every bite to be rich and flavorful. The grilled or pan-cooked chicken adds protein, making this salad a balanced meal on its own.

Another reason this salad is a favorite is its adaptability. You can customize it based on your preferences by adding extra vegetables, using different types of pasta, or making your own Caesar dressing if you prefer a homemade touch. It’s also incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal cooking and just a few simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand.

Whether you’re making it for lunch, dinner, or a gathering, Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a dish that’s sure to satisfy and impress. It’s light enough to enjoy on a warm day but hearty enough to be filling and fulfilling for any occasion.

How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Making Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is quick and simple, and the best part is that it comes together in just 20 minutes. Here’s how you can prepare this delightful dish:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced chicken and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the chicken for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked through and golden brown. The chicken should be tender and juicy. Once cooked, set the chicken aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside in a large bowl. You can use bowtie pasta or any small pasta shape of your choice—penne, rotini, or fusilli work well for this recipe too.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

To the bowl with the pasta, add the cooked chicken, chopped Romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, Caesar dressing, balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar), and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until well combined, making sure the dressing coats the pasta, chicken, and vegetables evenly. The balsamic vinegar adds a slight tang to balance the richness of the Caesar dressing, while the Parmesan gives the salad an extra burst of flavor.

Step 4: Serve

Once everything is tossed together, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or Caesar dressing depending on your preferences. Serve the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad immediately or refrigerate it for later. If you plan to serve it later, consider reserving a little extra dressing to add just before serving, as the pasta may absorb some of the dressing over time.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Any Occasion

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile and ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner, packing it for lunch, or bringing it to a picnic or potluck, this dish works perfectly for all of these events. It’s light enough to be enjoyed on a warm day, yet filling enough to satisfy your hunger.

The salad is perfect for meal prep as well. You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for several days, making it an excellent choice for lunches throughout the week. The ingredients are easy to find and simple to prepare, and the flavors only get better as they sit, making it a convenient dish for busy individuals or families.

Another great feature of this recipe is its flexibility. You can swap out the chicken for other proteins, such as grilled shrimp or even crispy bacon, if you prefer. You can also add other vegetables, such as cucumbers or bell peppers, to make the salad even more colorful and nutrient-packed.

Conclusion

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a fresh and flavorful twist on the traditional Caesar salad, with the addition of pasta and juicy chicken. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for any occasion, whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a refreshing picnic dish, or a satisfying meal prep option. The combination of tender chicken, creamy Caesar dressing, and crisp vegetables creates a balanced meal that is both light and hearty.

With its versatility, quick prep time, and delicious flavor, Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. It’s easy to make, customizable, and always satisfying, making it the perfect dish for busy days when you want a nutritious and flavorful meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.