Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Unique BBQ Side Dish Recipe
This pasta salad brings together two comfort food favorites in one bowl. It’s creamy, crunchy, and ready to impress at any BBQ or potluck.
Perfect for summer gatherings, this recipe turns Caesar salad into something you can pile high on your plate right next to a burger. Or eat straight from the bowl in your fridge. No judgment. This post contains affiliate links.
Pasta Salad with Chicken Caesar Twist
Caesar salads are kind of a big deal around here. Tossing in pasta felt like the next obvious move. This unique pasta salad has the creamy dressing, crisp lettuce, and salty cheese you love, but now it travels well and doesn’t wilt like a diva.
If you like a pasta combo with personality, check out this Chicken and Peach Pasta Salad. It’s sweet, savory, and just as potluck-ready. Also find a whole roundup of pasta salad recipes to make all summer!
What you’ll love about this recipe:
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
Just simple ingredients
Directions
Step 1 – Cook and cool the pasta
Boil pasta until al dente. Rinse with cold water and let it drain completely.
Step 2 – Prep the chicken
Slice grilled chicken or shred rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3 – Toss it all together
In a large bowl, combine pasta, romaine, chicken, Parmesan, and dressing. Add croutons last.
Step 4 – Chill and serve
Toss gently, season with black pepper, and chill for 15 to 30 minutes before serving.
Similar Recipes
If you like this pasta salad, you’ll love these easy sides. Try this Broccoli Salad, Pea Salad, or Wild Rice Salad for your next potluck recipe lineup.
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Swap bowtie pasta for rotini, penne, or shells
- Use bacon or shrimp instead of chicken
- Add cherry tomatoes or avocado slices
- Try kale instead of romaine for extra crunch
- Use Greek yogurt Caesar dressing for a tangy twist
Tools you’ll need
Here are some kitchen tools you’ll need for this recipe.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The croutons will soften over time, so if you’re making this ahead, keep them separate and add just before eating.
Tips & Tricks
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente holds up better
- Add croutons right before serving to keep them crunchy
- Toss with less dressing first and add more if needed
- Chill before serving to blend the flavors
FAQs
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Equipment
- Salad Serving Bowl
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Ingredients
- 8 oz grilled chicken breast or rotisserie chicken
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 3 cup romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 cup croutons
- ¾ cup parmesan cheese shredded
- ¾ cup Caesar dressing
- Fresh ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook bowtie pasta according to the package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and let it drain completely.8 oz bowtie pasta
- Slice grilled chicken or shred rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces.8 oz grilled chicken breast
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, croutons, shredded Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing.3 cup romaine lettuce, 1 cup croutons, ¾ cup parmesan cheese, ¾ cup Caesar dressing
- Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Add fresh ground black pepper to taste.Fresh ground pepper
- Serve immediately or chill for 15 to 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Adjust dressing to your preference to avoid overly rich salad.
- Add croutons just before serving to keep salad crunchier.
- Best enjoyed within 24 to 48 hours of preparation.
Nutrition
Our Favorite
Recipes with Pasta
Don’t forget to pin this for later!
Try this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad at your next bbq side dish showdown or bring it as a summer party salad. If you make it, drop a comment below.
Want more easy recipes? Subscribe to the blog so you don’t miss a thing.
