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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Bright & Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad for Busy Nights

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a quick and satisfying meal that combines juicy chicken, tender pasta, and crisp veggies, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Consider using rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For searing the chicken.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
For the Pasta Salad
  • 8 ounces Pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle) Pick your favorite shape!
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Adjust thickness with a splash of milk or cream if needed.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Caesar Salad Dressing Homemade or good-quality store-bought.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic
For the Salad Mix
  • 4 cups Chopped Romaine Lettuce
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved.
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion Thinly sliced.
  • 1 cup Croutons Keep separate until serving.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Medium bowl
  • large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by pounding the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to a half-inch thickness for even cooking. Season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let it rest before dicing.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, Caesar dressing, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper. If too thick, thin with a splash of milk or cream.
  4. Toss the cooled pasta in the mixing bowl with the dressing until well-coated. Fold in the diced chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.
  5. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. This enhances the taste.
  6. Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss. Sprinkle croutons on top for added crunch.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 30gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 74mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Keep croutons separate until serving.

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