Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is the BBQ side you’ll make every summer! Take your favorite salad poolside with this twist on bowtie pasta salad, which features creamy Caesar dressing and crispy bacon.

This zesty chicken pasta salad tastes just like a Chicken Caesar Salad with tender bowtie pasta noodles sprinkled in. It has all the same ingredients as chicken Caesar salad: chicken, croutons, bacon, Parmesan cheese, Caesar dressing, and even bits of Romaine lettuce. 

It’s a fun twist on a salad recipe you love. It’s so filling that you could call it a girl dinner or an easy meal. Either way, this tasty chicken Caesar pasta salad is both healthy and yummy. So, you should make it today! 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh, flavorful ingredients. All of the salad ingredients are easy to find in the grocery store. 
• Can be a main dish or quick lunch. Leave out the chicken, and it becomes a side dish; with the chicken, it’s a filling entree.
• Ready in 20 minutes. It’s ready quicker if you pre-boil the pasta and keep it in the refrigerator. 
• Leftovers are delicious. There’s nothing quite as refreshing as a bowl of cold pasta salad. 
• Fantastic way to use leftover chicken. Just chop or shred it up and add it to the green salad. 

Ingredients

This will become one of your favorite salads. Here’s what I used to make it.

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The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Bowtie Pasta – This serves as the base for the pasta salad.
• Chicken Breasts – Shred or chop up the chicken for a healthy protein source. 
• Romaine Lettuce – The crisp Romaine lettuce adds both nutrition and amazing textures. 
• Garlic Croutons – The crunchy croutons are the same ones in a Caesar salad. 
• Bacon – Use thick-cut bacon for the best flavor. 
• Parmesan Cheese – The salty parmesan cheese is the perfect addition to the savory salad. 
• Caesar Salad Dressing – For the best results, use creamy Caesar dressing or make your own. 
• Lemon – Some fresh lemon juice brightens the pasta salad. 
• Salt and Pepper – Use this to enhance all the other flavors in the pasta salad. 

How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

This chicken Caesar pasta salad recipe is incredibly easy and quick to make. In just three steps, you will have a delicious side dish and only a few dishes to do afterward. 

• Step One: First, cook the pasta according to the package directions. 
• Step Two: Combine the Romaine lettuce, garlic croutons, chicken, pasta, bacon, Parmesan cheese, Caesar dressing, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Garnish with lemon wedges, if desired.
• Step Three: Chill in the fridge until ready to serve. Stir before serving. 

What to Serve with It

This pasta salad goes well with anything. You can serve it as a side dish or as the main course. Either way, it will be a great meal when you combine it with these recipes. 

• Maple Dijon Grilled Chicken
• Grilled Zucchini Roll-Ups
• Crockpot Pickle Chicken
• Air Fryer Potato Chips
• Sweet Potato Home Fries

Variations and Substitutions

• Make it gluten-free by adding gluten-free pasta noodles. 
• Make it spicier. Add some sliced jalapeno peppers. 
• Use a different kind of crisp lettuce. Try it with some spinach and arugula. 
• Add some sliced cherry tomatoes. The juicy tomatoes will add flavor and a pop of color. 
• Flavor the chicken with Worcestershire sauce.

Storage Instructions 

Store any leftover chicken Caesar pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This is a fantastic addition to your meal prep. The juicy chicken and fresh romaine lettuce are perfect for lunch the next day. Store the salad without the dressing so that all the ingredients stay fresh. 

Can I Make Ahead?

Yes, you can make it ahead of time. But, if you do, I suggest storing the salad without the Romaine lettuce. Add the lettuce right before you serve it. If you store the lettuce with the pasta salad, it will soak up the dressing and soften. 

Can You Freeze Pasta Salad?

I wouldn’t recommend freezing the pasta salad, but it does stay well in the fridge. You can make the pasta the day before and assemble it when needed. 

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Rinse the cooked pasta in cold water before adding the rest of the ingredients. 
• Use rotisserie chicken to save yourself time.  
• Garnish with some sliced green onion. 
• If you make chicken at home, use an internal thermometer. The internal temperature should be at least 165F.

Can I Use A Different Kind Of Chicken?

Yes, you can use a different kind of chicken. Cook and cut up chicken thighs. Or shred some cooked rotisserie chicken. Canned chicken will also taste delicious with the salad. And if you want to save yourself time, reheat some frozen cooked chicken breast strips. 

Add-Ins 

Be creative and make this salad how you want it to taste. Here are some of my favorite ways to transform the recipe.

• Fresh tomatoes 
• Homemade croutons
• Olives 
• Red onion 
• Shimp 
• Bell peppers
• Avocado 

What Other Types of Pasta Can I Use? 

Be creative and use your favorite kind of tender pasta. Try it with these small pasta shapes: 

• Rotini pasta 
• Macaroni 
• Penne
• Mini shell pasta 

Pasta Salad Recipes

• Italian Pasta Salad
• Jalapeno Ranch Pasta Salad
• Italian Pasta Salad
• Macaroni Dill Salad
• Pesto Chicken Pasta Salad
• Creamy Curried Chicken Pasta Salad
• Grilled Butter Chicken Pasta Salad
• Greek Pasta Salad
• Ramen Noodle Salad
• Bruschetta Chicken Pasta Salad
• Pizza Pasta Salad
• Tortellini Salad

You might also enjoy my Tuna Salad, Greek Chicken Salad and Chicken Caesar Pizza.

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