Growing up, I was a huge fan of chicken caesar salad wraps. The saltiness, tender chicken, lots of cheese, crunchy croutons, and a creamy dressing…what’s not to love?! Today, we are taking that love and putting a fun twist on it with this chicken caesar pasta salad recipe!
It’s loaded with al dente pasta, shredded chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, and parmesan cheese. And to finish it off, we have a homemade caesar dressing that uses greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to lighten up this recipe.
The end result is light yet comforting and satisfying. Plus, you cannot disappoint with this combo! It makes a great recipe for an easy weeknight meal, meal prep (it makes a decent amount), or for BBQs and picnics for summer.
Why you’ll love this chicken caesar pasta salad recipe
- a fun spin on a classic salad recipe!
- macro-balanced – we have protein from the chicken, pasta, and cheese, carbohydrates from the pasta, and healthy fats from the cheese and dressing.
- it can be a side dish or a full meal, thanks to the protein content!
Is pasta salad healthy?
Pasta salad can be a healthy dish, depending on how it’s made. It usually contains veggies, which contain micronutrients and fiber. That being said, it can be high in fat due to the amount of dressing used, which can add calories easily, and it is also usually low in protein. Of course, it can be enjoyed in moderation, but something to think about if you have specific goals.
But this pasta salad recipe makes a delicious and healthy addition to one’s diet! We added lots of chicken for protein, and the dressing is made with greek yogurt.
Ingredients
- pasta – I used fusilli, but most kinds will work.
- shredded chicken
- romaine lettuce
- parmesan cheese
- homemade caesar dressing – a mix of greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and parmesan cheese.
- lemon juice
- salt and pepper
How to make chicken caesar pasta salad
- Make the pasta according to the package instructions. Once al dente, drain and set aside to cool.
- While the pasta cooks, make your caesar dressing, chop romaine lettuce, and shred your cheese.
- Mix. Add cooked pasta, shredded chicken, lettuce, parmesan cheese, caesar salad dressing, and salt and pepper to a large bowl. Toss well to combine. Finish off with lemon juice. Adjust according to taste.
- Enjoy!
Healthy caesar dressing
The star of the show is the homemade creamy caesar dressing. It’s lightened up by using greek yogurt and tahini, but does not skimp on flavor thanks to parmesan cheese, lemon, and anchovies. Whip up a batch and use as much as you like, depending on how coated you like your pasta salad.
Caesar salad dressing ingredients:
- plain greek yogurt
- tahini
- lemon juice
- grated parmesan cheese
- fresh garlic
- dijon mustard
- anchovy paste – optional, but adds that classic caesar dressing taste and some saltiness.
- water
- salt and pepper
Add all ingredients except the water to a glass jar. Whisk or use an immersion blender (my personal preference) until smooth. If desired, add some water to thin it out and mix again. Adjust according to taste.
Meal prep chicken caesar pasta salad
This chicken pasta salad recipe is easy to prep in advance, whether you are making it for a BBQ or to have on hand for the week. I actually prefer it prepped a little in advance, as it allows the flavors to come together more!
Here are a few suggestions for prepping this salad:
- partial prep – cook your pasta and chicken and allow them to cool. Store in the fridge in separate containers. In addition, make the caesar dressing and store it in a jar. When you are ready, chop up your romaine, shred your parmesan cheese, and mix everything together.
- full prep – follow the directions as written. The lettuce will lose some of its crunch after a couple of days. You can also wait to add the lettuce until serving so it stays fresh and crunchy.
How long is pasta salad good for in the fridge?
Leftovers will last up to 4 days in a tightly sealed airtight container in the fridge. As it sits, the lettuce will lose some of its crunch.
Can you freeze pasta salad?
While you can freeze pasta salad, I would not recommend freezing this recipe due to the lettuce, cheese, and dressing, as they will change texture. The pasta can also get mushy once frozen and defrosted.
Substitutions and additions
- pasta – any kind of pasta will work (penne, elbow, rotini…). I like fusilli as it has a good surface area to soak up the sauce. If needed, opt for gluten-free pasta to make this salad gluten-free.
- shredded chicken – homemade, store-bought rotisserie chicken, or grilled chicken will work. Chicken breasts or chicken thighs will work. You can also swap out another kind of protein, like shrimp or salmon.
- caesar dressing – you can use a store-bought dressing instead of making it at home.
And here are some additions you can add:
- veggies – add in more veggies if you like. Cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, or even carrots would be delicious.
- croutons – for some crunch, and like a classic caesar salad.
- avocado – for some more creaminess.
- bacon – to add some salty and smoky flavor.
- herbs – try fresh parsley or chives for a boost of freshness.
More healthy pasta recipes
- buffalo chicken pasta salad
- creamy cottage cheese pasta
- BLT pasta salad
- cheesy taco pasta
- greek chicken pasta salad (with zucchini noodles!)
If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (I used fusilli)
- 3 packed cups shredded chicken (12 ounces cooked – about 1 pound raw)
- 3 cups chopped romaine lettuce (150 grams)
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese (1.5 ounces)
- 1 1/4 cup caesar dressing (homemade or store-bought)
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice salt and pepper, to taste
instructions
- Make the pasta according to the package instructions. Once al dente, drain and give it a quick rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- While the pasta cooks, make your caesar dressing, chop romaine lettuce, and shred your cheese.
- Mix. Add cooked pasta (once it has cooled), shredded chicken, lettuce, parmesan cheese, caesar salad dressing, and salt and pepper to a large bowl. Toss well to combine. Finish off with lemon juice and give it one more mix. Adjust according to taste.
- Enjoy!
Dan says
Looks great can’t wait to try it
Kelly says
Hope you enjoy it!
Amanda O'Neill says
Haven’t done this with pasta, I’ve been subbing for wraps but everything is so good! Has become a weekly dinner request.
Kelly says
Yum, that sounds so good and I’m going to have to try it! Thanks, Amanda!
Mary Alice Nichols says
Perfect for summer and super easy to come together for a delish lunch. Especially with your caesar dressing!! Yum. Thanks for sharing!
Kelly says
So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for trying it, Mary Alice!
Amy says
This was sooooo easy to make and super tasty. Even my incredibly picky husband was a fan. Lots of protein and held up really well as a meal prep for lunches. It actually got tastier throughout the week as the dressing marinated everything 🤤
Kelly says
So glad you both enjoyed it so much. I love it as it sits too. Thanks, Amy!