Whip up a 20-minute meal in-a-bowl with a refreshing recipe for Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad starring DIY dressing.
Chicken Caesar salad, meet pasta salad. Pasta salad, meet chicken Caesar salad.
Now that everyone’s acquainted, allow me to introduce you to the greatest matrimony since peanut butter and jelly: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad.
Look at all that goodness in a bowl!
Crisp Romaine lettuce, store-bought rotisserie chicken (time-saver of the century!), crunchy homemade croutons, Parmesan cheese shavings and rotini noodles, all tossed in a creamy homemade Caesar salad dressing.
The anchovy paste is totally optional, although it does give this Caesar its characteristic flavor oomph. But the real secret to the best DIY Caesar salad is the addition of grated Parmesan cheese whisked right into the dressing.
I love dicing up a store-bought rotisserie chicken to make this a complete meal, but you could easily leave out the poultry to make this the ultimate side salad for potlucks, casual weeknight spreads or weekend bashes.
Salmon, grilled shrimp or my personal fave, seared steak, would also be welcome additions.
To save a few more minutes (from this 20-minute dish!), whip up the dressing and salad separately then stash them in the fridge. When ready to serve, toss ’em together and grab the forks.
I’m no stranger to stellar pasta salads, but this one just gave my Greek Pasta Salad a run for its money on my list of all-time faves!
Tune in to the video below to watch how quickly this Caesar pasta salad comes together. Whenever I’m asked to “just bring a salad” to a barbecue or picnic, this is the dish I bring.
FAQs
Absolutely! Leave out the chicken and this Caesar pasta salad transforms into the ultimate side dish. It’s hearty enough to hold its own next to anything coming off the grill, and it’s always the first bowl to empty at a potluck.
Yes! You can cook the pasta and prepare the dressing up to 1 day in advance. Store everything in airtight containers separately in the fridge, then toss it all together just before serving so the romaine lettuce stays crisp and your croutons stay crunchy.
Rotini is my go-to because those little spirals grab onto every bit of the creamy Caesar dressing, but any short pasta shape works. Fusilli, penne or bowties are all great options. I also love making this with cheese tortellini!
Yes! The anchovy paste is totally optional. It adds that classic Caesar flavor depth, but the dressing will still be delicious without it. If you’re nervous about using it, just know it doesn’t make the dressing taste fishy—it just adds that deep, savory flavor that makes you wonder what the secret ingredient is.
Up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge, but note that the lettuce and croutons will soften over time. If you know you’ll have leftovers, store the croutons separately and add them right before serving.
Ingredients
For the dressing:
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
- 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
For the pasta salad:
- 8 oz. uncooked pasta, such as rotini or penne
- 2 hearts of Romaine
- Shredded rotisserie chicken or chopped chicken breasts
- Croutons (optional)
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
Make the dressing:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire, mayonnaise, minced garlic and anchovy paste until well combined. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and ¼ teaspoon pepper then set the dressing aside while you make the salad.
Make the pasta salad:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large serving bowl.
- Cut the Romaine hearts into 1-inch pieces then add them and your protein of choice to the bowl with the pasta.
- Add the prepared dressing and toss to combine. Add the croutons (optional) and garnish with Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately or refrigerate, covered, until ready to serve.
Video
How to Make Caesar Pasta Salad (20-Minute Recipe!)
If you’re torn between Caesar salad and pasta salad for dinner, just make both! This Caesar Pasta Salad recipe is the perfect combo, and I had no idea it would go viral online when I first shared it. The homemade Caesar dressing is thick, garlicky and tangy.
Kelly’s Notes
- For a delicious twist, use cheesy tortellini!
- ★ Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Nutrition
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Recipe by Kelly Senyei of Just a Taste. Please do not reprint this recipe without my permission. If you'd like to feature this recipe on your site, please rewrite the method of preparation and link to this post as the original source.
This was so easy to make with a rotisserie chicken. I really bumped up the protein by replacing the 1/2 the mayo with plain Greek yogurt, and using chickpea pasta
I also added lemon zest to the dressing, and topped the salad with avocado.
I often use roasted chickpeas instead of croutons, but I forgot to pack both.
Amazing! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe!
#jatrecipechallenge
I forgot to include this in my comments
Noted. Thank you, Lorrie!
Delicious dish! Will definitely be making again. Made it for a lunch date with my mom and daughter.
I’m thrilled you enjoyed the pasta salad, Lorrie!
Perfect salad for summer! We found this salad to be delicious and easy. I did need to substitute for the worcestershire sauce and anchovy paste for dietary restrictions, so all could enjoy. I just added a couple splashes of tamari to still get an umami flavor. #jatrecipechallenge
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Christina!
So delicious. I haven’t cooked for a family in a while, but living arrangements changed and I now get to cook for my child’s family. Everyone loved this. My daughter-in-law is allergic to fish, so I replaced the Worcestershire sauce and anchovies with soy sauce, and it still tasted salty with plenty of umami. It’s on the rotation!
I’m so glad everyone enjoyed the recipe, Cas!
Loved this! Will definitely make again. #jatrecipechallenge
So glad you enjoyed it, Sarah!
So good. That dressing really made the dish!!
So glad you enjoyed it, Diane!
Easy and delicious! I served as the main dish and should have doubled the amount I made because my family devoured it, wanted seconds, and sadly there was none left :)
So glad you enjoyed it, Erin!
The Caesar dressing is SO good! I make that and use it just on a regular Caesar salad ALL THE TIME!
I’m thrilled you’ve been enjoying it, Joanie!
This recipe looks fantastic!! I can’t wait to make it!
I hope you enjoy it, Vee!
Loved it. It made an ample amount for a women’s luncheon! Used commercial dressing to save time!
Thrilled you enjoyed the recipe, Frannie!