Food and Recipes Dish Salad Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad 5.0 (1) Add your rating & review Chicken Caesar pasta salad is an easy crowd-pleaser. By Catherine Jessee Catherine Jessee Catherine Jessee is an Assistant Digital Food Editor at Southern Living. She is a writer, editor, and recipe developer with a passion for Appalachian foodways, culture, and history. Prior to joining the Southern Living, Catherine tested and developed recipes for print and digital publications like EatingWell, Food & Wine, Real Simple, Serious Eats, Southern Living, and more. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on September 17, 2024 Recipe tested by Southern Living Test Kitchen Recipe tested by Southern Living Test Kitchen The Southern Living Test Kitchen has been publishing recipes since 1970, four years after the first issue of Southern Living Magazine appeared on newsstands. The Southern Living Test Kitchen team includes a team of professionals with deep expertise in recipe development, from pastry chefs and grilling experts to nutritionists and dietitians. Together, the team tests and retests, produces, styles, and photographs thousands of recipes each year in the state-of-the-art test kitchen facility located in Birmingham, Alabama. Learn more about the Southern Living Test Kitchen Save Rate PRINT Share Close Photo: Stacy Allen, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle Active Time: 15 mins Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins Servings: 8 Jump to recipe Combine two favorite dishes into this chicken Caesar pasta salad for a crowd-pleasing lunch, dinner, or side dish. This chicken Caesar pasta salad features the iconic chicken Caesar taste along with sweet, tangy bursts of tomato, crunchy romaine lettuce, and tender rotisserie chicken. It's all dressed in a creamy Caesar dressing, brightened and amplified by fresh lemon juice and black pepper. Overall, it's a delicious way to transform all the flavors and textures you love about a traditional Caesar salad into a pasta salad you can make ahead. If you do make it in advance, wait to add the lettuce and croutons until just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy. Learn how to make chicken Caesar pasta salad, and if you show up to work with this pasta salad in tow, you'll be the envy of everyone at the office. Chicken Caesar Salad vs. Pasta Salad A traditional chicken Caesar salad is a thing of beauty, with romaine lettuce, garlic croutons, grilled chicken, and Parmesan cheese, all coated with a savory Caesar dressing. Transforming these classic flavors into a pasta salad is a guaranteed winner. We add cooked penne into the mix, along with a vibrant addition of cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley. Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut addition that bulks up the salad for a filling one-dish meal. Ingredients for Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad A colorful mix of cherry tomatoes, red onion, romaine lettuce, and parsley adds brightness to this Caesar-inspired pasta salad. To make chicken Caesar pasta salad, you'll need: Penne pasta: The base of the pasta salad, with a shape that holds up well to the heavy ingredients in the mix. Substitute with rotini, farfalle, fusilli, orecchiette, or other pasta shapes as desired. Caesar dressing: A creamy dressing for the pasta salad, adding a punch of flavor and a savory depth. Opt for your favorite store-bought brand, or make your own lightened up version. Lemon zest and juice: Brightens and cuts through the richness of the Caesar dressing. Black pepper and kosher salt: Enhances the overall flavor. Shredded rotisserie chicken: Adds protein to bulk up the salad. Multicolored cherry tomatoes: Adds a pop of color and juicy sweetness. Red onion: For a sharp, oniony flavor and light crunch. Parmesan cheese: For a nutty, umami-rich flavor that complements the Caesar dressing. Romaine lettuce: A classic crisp, fresh component of traditional Caesar salad that lightens up the pasta salad. Garlic-seasoned croutons: For a Caesar salad touch, while adding a crunchy contrast. Flat-leaf parsley: For a fresh, herbaceous touch. Stacy Allen, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle How To Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad With rotisserie chicken and store-bought Caesar dressing in the mix, this pasta salad comes together in just 15 minutes of hands-on time. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started: Step 1. Cook pasta: Cook penne in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions; drain and rinse.Step 2. Make dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together Caesar dressing, lemon zest and juice, pepper, and salt.Step 3. Add salad ingredients to dressing: Stir in penne, chicken, tomatoes, onion, and Parmesan. Cover and chill at least 30 minutes.Step 4. Add lettuce and croutons: Let stand at room temperature about 30 minutes. Stir in lettuce and croutons.Step 5. Garnish with cheese and parsley: Sprinkle with additional Parmesan and garnish with parsley before serving. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Variations To add your own unique twist to this pasta salad, consider these variation ideas: Shredded rotisserie chicken: You can also add protein to the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon, or crispy bacon. Go vegetarian with crispy roasted chickpeas or tofu.Cherry tomatoes: Swap the cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes, or other types of fresh tomatoes, as needed.Red onion: If you're looking for a more mild oniony kick, substitute the red onions with shallots or sliced green onions.Parmesan cheese: For a twist, use Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese in the place of the Parmesan.Romaine lettuce: You can also mix in chopped kale, baby spinach, or arugula in the place of the romaine.Garlic-seasoned croutons: For a nutty crunch, swap the croutons with toasted pine nuts.Veggies: Add thinly sliced radishes, bell peppers, avocado, olives, cucumbers, or other mix-ins as desired. Our Tips for the Best Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad For the best chicken Caesar pasta salad, keep these tips in mind: Choose the right pasta: Penne is a nice base for this salad, with its tube-like shape that holds onto every bit of the Caesar dressing. If you do want to swap, feel free to substitute with farfalle, rotini, cellentani, or other shapes as desired.Cooking the pasta: Cook the pasta in salted water, just until al dente, for the best flavor and texture.Cool the pasta: Cool the pasta completely before using to keep it from soaking up too much of the dressing.Give it time: Giving the pasta salad time to chill and rest will help all of the flavors meld together and deepen for the most flavorful result.Making ahead: If making the pasta salad ahead, make sure to add the romaine and croutons right before serving to keep them from becoming soggy. Can I Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Ahead? Feel free to make this salad up to one day ahead if needed, leaving out the romaine lettuce and croutons, to be added right before serving for the best texture. Wrap and refrigerate the pasta salad overnight, then bring to room temperature, toss with the romaine and croutons, and garnish before serving. Revive with an additional drizzle of olive oil, if needed, and re-season to taste if needed. How To Store Leftover Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Store leftover chicken Caesar pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Past that point, the texture and flavor may suffer. This salad makes a great next-day lunch option: Pair with some garlic bread and you won't even mind if the croutons have softened a bit. What To Serve With Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad This pasta salad has it all—pasta, chicken, fresh tomatoes, lettuce, croutons, and a creamy dressing for the ultimate one-dish meal. Serve as part of a larger spread, or as a lunch or light dinner option for busy weekdays. Pair with garlic bread, dinner rolls, or grilled or roasted vegetables for an added touch. More Crowd-Pleasing Pasta Salad Recipes You'll Love Hearty and worthy of seconds, these crowd-pleasing pasta salad recipes just might be the perfect addition to your next gathering: BLT Pasta Salad Deviled Egg Pasta Salad Cowboy Pasta Salad Classic Macaroni Salad with Ham Pepperoni Pasta Salad Easiest-Ever Pasta Salad Bacon-Ranch Pasta Salad Seafood Pasta Salad Southern Shrimp Pasta Salad Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse. Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) Ingredients 8 oz. uncooked penne pasta 3/4 cup creamy Caesar dressing 1 tsp. grated lemon zest plus 2 Tbsp. fresh juice (from 1 large lemon) 1/2 tsp. black pepper 1/4 tsp. kosher salt 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken 1 pt. multicolored cherry tomatoes, halved 3/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (from 1 small [6 oz.] red onion) 2 oz. pre-shredded Parmesan cheese (about 1/2 cup), plus more for serving 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce 1 cup garlic-seasoned croutons (such as Texas Toast) Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish Directions Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high. Add penne, and cook according to package directions; drain in a colander, and rinse with cold water. Stacy Allen, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle Make dressing: Whisk together Caesar dressing, lemon zest and juice, pepper, and salt in a large bowl. Stacy Allen, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle Add salad ingredients to dressing: Stir in cooked penne, chicken, cherry tomatoes, onion, and Parmesan until thoroughly combined. Cover with plastic wrap, and chill in refrigerator at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to allow flavors to meld. Stacy Allen, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle Add lettuce and croutons. Remove from refrigerator, and let stand at room temperature, covered, about 30 minutes. Just before serving, stir in lettuce and croutons. Stacy Allen, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle Garnish with cheese and parsley: Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese, and garnish with parsley. Stacy Allen, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle Frequently Asked Questions How do you make homemade Caesar dressing? Caesar dressing is typically made with a mix of egg yolks, olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and sometimes anchovies. You can also give our Greek yogurt-based version a try. Can I make this Caesar pasta salad vegetarian? For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with crispy roasted chickpeas or grilled tofu, or leave it out completely. Rate It Print Additional reporting by Katie Rosenhouse Katie Rosenhouse Follow us Katie Rosenhouse is a pastry chef and food writer with over 15 years of experience in the culinary arts. She's worked as a pastry chef in some of the finest restaurants in New York City, as a culinary instructor, and as a recipe developer. learn more