Dear Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, it’s time for your debut! This simple but splendid recipe has been my faithful barbecue, potluck, and easy lunch companion since the first summer we arrived in Wisconsin.

chicken Caesar salad in bowl with cherry tomatoes and dressing in background

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Enter your email below to save this recipe to your free Well Plated recipe box.

From time to time, we'll send you the best of Well Plated. We respect your privacy and you can opt out anytime.

Already registered? Log in here.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

A Tried-and-True Fave. Ben’s parents live on a lake and through the years, weekends there have become one of my most valuable recipe testing grounds (e.g. this BLT Pasta Salad). This tasty chicken Caesar pasta salad with its flavorful combination of ingredients and pleasing contrast of textures? OFF THE CHARTS!
Everything You Love (Plus Pasta!). This crowd-approved side combines the key ingredients of chicken caesar salad—juicy chicken, crunchy greens, crispy croutons, salty Parmesan, and creamy Caesar dressing—with whole wheat pasta and fresh cherry tomatoes to create a dish that’s tailor-made for lazy weekend days and quick weeknight dinners.
Quick and Easy to Make. Use leftover chicken (or grab a rotisserie chicken at the grocery store) and all you need to do is boil the pasta, chop the veggies, and mix up the creamy Caesar dressing. This pasta salad is practically effortless!

bowl of chicken Caesar pasta salad with serving spoons

5 Star Review

“I made this for healthy lunches this week and I LOVE it. Thanks for a recipe that makes me look forward to mealtime!”
— Audra —

How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

The Ingredients

Whole Wheat Pasta. If you’re new to the whole wheat pasta scene, look for a high-quality option that won’t be heavy, mushy, or “wheaty,” once cooked al dente. (I like DeLallo.)
Chicken. Any leftover cooked chicken breasts (like Air Fryer Chicken Breast) will work for this easy pasta salad recipe. You can also use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the store.
Romaine Lettuce. Traditional and hearty enough to stand up to the other ingredients and maintain its texture. I’ve also done this recipe as a kale chicken caesar pasta salad and a caesar pasta salad with spinach.
Cherry Tomatoes. Bright, delicious little bursts of flavor! Plus, the red color is beautiful in the bowl.
Croutons. For a bit of crunch and added texture.
Parmesan. Nutty, cheesy, and perfectly suited for Caesar dressing (like in this Chicken Caesar Wrap).
Dressing. I love using my delicious Homemade Caesar Dressing!

Dietary Note

Some varieties of gluten-free pasta are better suited for cold pasta dishes than others so it may take some trial and error to find one that holds up well in this dish. If you find a winner, please share your results in the comments.

Directions

overhead view of cooked pasta in colander

Cook the Pasta. Boil, drain, and rinse the pasta. Transfer into a large serving bowl.

Cook the Chicken. If necessary, cook the chicken and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Make the Dressing. Whip up the dressing (unless you already have some on hand).

overhead view of ingredients for chicken Caesar pasta salad in bowl

Finish. Toss the dressing with the remaining ingredients, the cooked pasta, and chicken until evenly coated. ENJOY!

pouring dressing into chicken Caesar pasta salad

What to Serve with Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Grilled Meats. Pasta salads always make me think of cookouts, and cookouts mean: meat! You can’t go wrong with these Turkey Burgers, but Grilled Chicken Thighs and Grilled Pork Chops are always winners too.
Potluck Party Favorites. You know the ones! Vegetable Pizza on crescent roll crust, 7 Layer Taco Dip, and of course Hashbrown Casserole.
Deli-Style Salads. I usually put together several options for backyard parties. Italian Pasta Salad, 7 Layer Salad, Healthy Potato Salad, and Chicken Pasta Salad are all faves with our families.

overhead view of chicken Caesar pasta salad with tomatoes and lettuce

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Cooking the Chicken: You Have Options! To cook the chicken in the Instant Pot, see this post for Instant Pot Chicken. To cook the chicken in the slow cooker, see this post for Crock Pot Shredded Chicken. To bake the chicken, see this post for Baked Chicken Breast. You can also grill it using my favorite Grilled Chicken Breast recipe.
Give Yourself a Shortcut. If you’re looking for a shortcut, you can certainly opt to use your favorite store-bought Caesar salad dressing. However, I may be biased, but I really think this homemade Greek yogurt Caesar dressing is worth the extra (minimal) effort.
Tips for Leftovers. If you know you will be serving leftovers, you can make a little extra dressing and set it aside to toss on the leftovers before serving to keep them from drying out. No extra dressing? Try reviving the leftovers with a big squeeze of lemon juice.

Review Save Recipe Print