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A plate of Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with rotini, romaine lettuce, croutons, shredded cheese, and creamy dressing, served alongside a baguette and parsley in the background.

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

I reach for Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad when I need something cold and filling that everyone actually wants to eat. It combines rotini pasta with crisp romaine, tender chicken, crunchy croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing for a salad that tastes like your favorite restaurant version but way more filling. The Parmesan and tangy dressing coat every spiral, making it perfect as a main course or cookout side. I serve it at summer gatherings, potlucks, backyard BBQs, and pack it for lunch all week long. Leftovers stay fresh in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 892 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces rotini pasta
  • 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 ½ cups Caesar dressing
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup croutons
  • 2 cups cooked chicken

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta.
    8 ounces rotini pasta
  • In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped romaine, Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, and croutons. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
    2 cups chopped romaine lettuce, 1 ½ cups Caesar dressing, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup croutons
  • Gently fold in the cooked chicken. You can serve immediately or refrigerate for 15–30 minutes for a chilled pasta salad.
    2 cups cooked chicken

Notes

Here are my best tips for making perfect chicken caesar pasta salad every time.
  • Rinse the pasta completely: Cold water stops the cooking and removes excess starch that would make your salad gummy instead of light and fresh.
  • Don't overdress at first: You can always add more Caesar dressing later, but you can’t take it away. Start with the amount listed and add more if needed after tasting.
  • Use rotisserie chicken: It saves time and adds flavor since the chicken is already seasoned and juicy, so all you need to do is chop it up and fold it in.
  • Add croutons last: If you're making this dish ahead, wait to add the croutons until just before serving so they stay crunchy instead of soggy.
  • Let it chill: The 15–30 minute rest in the fridge lets the flavors come together and makes the salad more refreshing, especially on hot days.
  • Store croutons separately: Flash freeze portions without croutons in individual containers, then add fresh croutons when you're ready to eat for maximum crunch.

Nutrition

Calories: 892kcalCarbohydrates: 53gProtein: 32gFat: 60gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 31gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 98mgSodium: 1395mgPotassium: 403mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 2214IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 187mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
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