Need a dinner idea that you can literally throw together in minutes? No worries, I got you covered with this yummy chicken Caesar pasta salad recipe!
Scroll down for the printable recipe.
Whether you’re prepping a weeknight dinner, planning a picnic, or searching for a dish to impress at a potluck, this hearty salad checks all the boxes. It’s easy, customizable, and packed with protein and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Great for meal prep: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Customizable: Add extras like bacon, avocado, or cherry tomatoes.
This dish is more than just a salad — it’s a complete meal that satisfies without feeling heavy. Best of all, it’s customizable, quick to prepare, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
To make this creamy Caesar pasta salad with chicken, you’ll need:
- Cooked pasta (I used rotini but any kind will work)
- Cooked chicken (can be grilled, breaded or air fried. I like using breaded popcorn chicken)
- Caesar Salad Kit
- Olive Garden Caesar Dressing
How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and avoid sticking.
- Prepare the chicken: I like using breaded chicken and bake it in the oven but you could even use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine pasta, chicken, lettuce, add ins from salad kit and Caesar dressing. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Enjoy!
Side Suggestions
This chicken Caesar salad with pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with:
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- A light soup (like tomato basil or minestrone)
Variations and Add-Ins
Want to customize your this salad? Try these popular add-ins:
- Crispy bacon bits
- Avocado slices
- Red onion or green onion
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Roasted corn or black olives
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
This chicken Caesar pasta salad stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. If you’re making it ahead of time, store the croutons separately to prevent them from getting soggy. It’s a fantastic dish to prepare on Sunday and enjoy throughout the week.
This salad combines everything you love about a classic Caesar salad with the satisfying bite of pasta. It’s fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep!
Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
This super easy chicken caesar pasta salad is a quick meal that you can literally throw together in minutes while not missing out on a delicious dinner!
Ingredients
- Caesar Salad Kit
- 8oz Olive Garden Caesar Dressing
- 8oz Pasta
- Approx. 12oz Chicken (you can add more / less depending on how much you would like)
Instructions
- Boil pasta until tender and drain
- If using raw chicken instead of a rotisserie chicken, cook until done.
- Add salad, the add ins from the kit, pasta, chicken and dressing into a mixing bowl.
- Mix well to combine and serve!
Notes
You can use any type of chicken you want. I like to use the breaded popcorn chicken but you can switch it out for rotisserie, grilled or air fried if you prefer.
Will last up to 3 days in the fridge covered.
This easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and versatile recipe that fits into any mealtime routine. Whether you serve it at a summer BBQ, pack it for lunch, or enjoy it as a quick dinner, it’s sure to become a repeat favorite.
Looking for a lighter version? Swap the Caesar dressing for a Greek yogurt-based option or use whole wheat pasta to add more fiber. No matter how you customize it, this dish delivers flavor and satisfaction every time.
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