This crowd-pleasing Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines classic Caesar salad flavors with hearty pasta and lean protein. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a nutritious meal-prep champion that packs 34g of protein and only 6g of fat per serving.
The perfect blend of crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and al dente pasta creates an irresistible lunch or dinner option that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
Ingredients for Tasty Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Penne pasta: 6 ounces, perfect for holding the dressing
- Chicken breasts: 1 pound, grilled and boneless for lean protein
- Romaine lettuce: 4 cups, chopped fresh for crispiness
- Cucumber: 1/2 medium, adds refreshing crunch
- Carrot: 1 whole, freshly shredded for color and nutrients
- Green onion: 1/4 cup, thinly sliced for mild flavor
- Cherry tomatoes: 2 cups, halved for bursts of juiciness
- Parmesan cheese: 1/3 cup, freshly grated for authentic flavor
- Croutons: 1/2 cup, optional for extra crunch
- Caesar dressing: To taste, brings everything together
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Cook penne according to package directions until al dente, drain and let it cool completely
- Chicken Prep: Cut your grilled chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks for easy eating
- Veggie Prep: Ensure all vegetables are freshly chopped and ready for assembly
- Assembly: In a large bowl, combine chicken, cooled pasta, fresh vegetables, Parmesan, and croutons
- Finishing Touch: Drizzle with Caesar dressing and toss gently until everything is well coated
Make-Ahead Tips
This pasta salad is perfect for busy weeknights! You can cook the pasta and chicken up to 2 days before, storing them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just chop your veggies and toss everything together. The pasta might absorb some moisture while stored, so add a splash of olive oil if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this colorful salad right away for the crispiest lettuce and croutons! It makes a wonderful warm-weather lunch or light dinner. Want to make it extra special? Serve it with warm garlic bread and a glass of chilled white wine. For casual gatherings, place the dressing on the side so everyone can add their preferred amount.
Easy Swaps
No penne? Any short pasta works great – try rotini, bowties, or shells! You can swap the grilled chicken for rotisserie chicken when you’re short on time. Not a fan of cucumbers? Try bell peppers instead.
Want to make it vegetarian? Skip the chicken and add chickpeas or white beans for protein. Any crunchy lettuce can replace the romaine – try butter lettuce or iceberg.
Storage Tips
If you’re planning leftovers, keep the lettuce, croutons, and dressing separate from the pasta mixture. Store everything in airtight containers in your fridge. The pasta mix stays fresh for 3-4 days, but once you add the lettuce and dressing, it’s best eaten within a few hours. Give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the ingredients.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Equipment
- Large Bowl
Ingredients
- 6 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts grilled
- 4 cups Romaine lettuce chopped
- 1/2 medium cucumber chopped
- 1 carrot shredded
- 1/4 cup green onion thinly sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1/2 cup croutons optional
- Caesar salad dressing to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain water and set aside to cool.
- Chop the grilled chicken breasts into small chunks.
- In a large bowl toss together chicken, cooked penne pasta, lettuce, cucumber, carrot, green onion, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese and croutons.
- Drizzle with desired amount of Caesar salad dressing and toss to coat.
