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 This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish for summer!

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a delicious summer salad.  Everyone loves pasta salad and this is a spin on two classic favorites.  Seasoned chicken mixes with pasta, tomatoes, romaine, spinach, parmesan cheese, croutons and creamy caesar salad dressing.  This is perfect for a summer side dish or a main dish on those scorching days when you just want something cool.

There is nothing I love more an easy summer side dish that I can just throw together quickly that gets better as it is sits.

I love that this pasta salad comes together in minutes and it just packed full of flavor and delicious ingredients. Whenever I find a new summer side dish that can be made ahead I love it!

Summer is full of cookouts and bbqs and pool parties and this pasta salad is always a hit.  A change up from the classic pasta salad that you are used to.  This is a great cold pasta salad for all the hot summer months.

This pasta salad is full of flavor and a true make ahead dish.  The longer this sits the better and better it gets.  This can definitely be made the day before, I would just leave out the spinach and lettuce until right before serving so that it does not get soggy. This is also a great way to use  leftover chicken or save time and use rotisserie chicken. I like making this pasta salad when I have leftover grilled chicken.

I love that you can customize this to your taste and likes.  You can switch out the chicken, switch up the veggies, make it spicy, you can totally make this recipe your own. I think next time I will add a little red onion. You could even make your own homemade caesar dressing or homemade croutons for this salad.

This pasta salad is perfect with it’s combination of crisp romaine lettuce, creamy caesar dressing, crunchy croutons and tender pasta.  It is a great side dish, light lunch or refreshing main course.

This pasta salad makes a ton and can easily be doubled if you are serving a crowd.  It is perfect for all those summer parties and everyone will be asking you for the recipe. I love pasta salad recipes and this one is sure to impress.

This also makes a fabulous lunch or dinner for those days that are so hot and you just want a light and refreshing meal. All the flavor of chicken caesar salad but in a delicious pasta salad.

Next time you want a spectacular side dish that will wow everyone try this pasta salad! It is sure to impress.

I promise everyone will love this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. 

You will want to make this chicken caesar pasta salad recipe again and again! We do!

You will love this recipe because it is

• Easy and fast.
• Family friendly.
• Make ahead dish.
• Full of flavor.
• Totally customizable.
• Great spin on a classic caesar salad.

Can I use any protein?

Yes, you could use any meat you like.  I love using chicken but you can also use crispy chicken tenders, steak or shrimp.  All of these would be fabulous with this pasta salad.

Can I switch up the lettuce?

Of course!! I like to use romaine because it stays more crisp than iceberg.  Kale is also another great option. 

Can I change the pasta shape?

Definitely.  I would just go with a short pasta cut.

Can I make this more spicy?

You can add red pepper flakes or jalapenos. 

 

Ingredients used

• Chicken tenderloins –  You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut up. You can also make this in half the time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken.
• Garlic powder – For seasoning the chicken. 
• Black Pepper – To season the chicken. 
• Paprika – For color and seasoning on the chicken. 
• Rotini – I like to use rotini pasta but you could also use 
• Cherry tomatoes –  You can use any tomatoes or leave them out if you like. I like to use
  grape tomatoes too.
• Romaine lettuce – Rinsed and chopped but don’t add until right before serving. 
• Baby spinach – You can use regular spinach too just remove the stems. 
• Parmesan cheese – You can use shredded or grated. I like to use the shredded parmesan cheese.
• Croutons –  These should also be added right before serving. 
• Caesar salad dressing –  Use a good quality brand. You can make homemade dressing but I just use
  store-bought dressing.

How to make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

 

1. FULL RECIPE BELOW
2. In a large bowl combine the chicken, garlic powder, pepper and paprika, toss to coat. 
3. In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, heat the chicken until browned and cooked through. 
4. Boil your pasta in a large pot of lightly salted water and drain your pasta.
5. To a large bowl add the pasta, chicken, tomatoes, romaine, spinach, parmesan cheese, and croutons.
6. Toss to combine.
7. Add the dressing and toss to coat.
8. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until chilled. 
9. Serve!
10. Store leftovers in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap for up to 3 days.

Want more Summer Side Dishes? Check these out!

• Key Lime Pie Fluff
• Deviled Egg Potato Salad

• Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

• Big Mac Pasta Salad
• Cobb Salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Chill Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a delicious summer salad.  Everyone loves pasta salad and this is a spin on two classic favorites.  Seasoned chicken mixes with pasta, tomatoes, romaine, spinach, parmesan cheese, croutons and creamy caesar salad dressing.  This is perfect for a summer side dish or a main dish on those scorching days when you just want something cool.

Print

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenderloins, cut into bite size pieces
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 16 ounces garden rotini
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 cup baby spinach
• ½ cup shaved parmesan cheese
• 1 cup croutons
• 16 ounce bottle caesar salad dressing

Instructions

1. In a large bowl combine the chicken, garlic powder, pepper and paprika, toss to coat. 
2. In a medium skillet over medium high heat, heat the chicken until browned and cooked through. 
3. Boil and drain your pasta.
4. To a large bowl add the pasta, chicken, tomatoes, romaine, spinach, parmesan cheese, and croutons.
5. Toss to combine.
6. Add the dressing and toss to coat.
7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until chilled. 
8. Serve!

Notes

Add diced jalapenos for a kick.

Substitute cooked smoked sausage for the chicken.

Use rotisserie chicken if you like.

Add other veggies like cucumbers or bell peppers.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.