Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Unique BBQ Side Dish Recipe

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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.

chicken caesar past salad in a clear bowl

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:


  • Quick and Easy – Made in 20 minutes or less.
  • Make Ahead – Easy to prep ahead and chill.
  • Loved by Most – Picky-eater approved.
  • Shortcut Time Saver – Uses rotisserie chicken for zero stress.

Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below

Just simple ingredients

  • Cooked grilled chicken breast or rotisserie chicken
  • Bowtie pasta
  • Chopped romaine lettuce
  • Croutons
  • Shredded Parmesan cheese
  • Caesar dressing (use your favorite brand or homemade)
  • Black pepper

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.

bowl of chicken caesar pasta salad

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
chicken caesar bowtie pasta salad in a bowl

Tools you’ll need

Here are some kitchen tools you’ll need for this recipe.

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Colander
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Mixing bowl

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.

Stirring bowl icon.

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
Chicken caesar pasta salad on a plate

FAQs

Yes, but keep the dressing and croutons separate until just before serving.

It can be. Store everything separately and toss it fresh when ready to eat.

Yes. Add in a hard-boiled egg, crispy bacon, or even chickpeas for extra protein and texture.

chicken caesar pasta salad in a big clear bowl

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Jennifer Soltys
Classic Caesar salad meets bowtie pasta and grilled chicken in this crowd-friendly, tasty summer salad perfect for potlucks and BBQs.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chill Time 15 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 435 kcal

Equipment

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

Serving: 1servingCalories: 435kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 23gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 52mgSodium: 623mgPotassium: 265mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 2162IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 187mgIron: 2mg
Keyword chicken, pasta salad, salad
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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chicken caesar pasta salad ingredients and finished salad in a bowl

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.

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