When I need something quick that everyone will actually eat, this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is my go-to. It’s fast, fresh, and family-friendly, basically dinner in one big bowl!
I use my garlic herb croutons and light Caesar dressing to make it extra special! Everything comes together in under 20 minutes, and it feels like a real meal, not just a side salad. Yum!
Ingredients
- Rotisserie chicken – I always grab a store-bought one to save time. Leftover grilled chicken or turkey works too.
- Kale – Massaging it with lemon and oil makes it soft and flavorful. Romaine is a classic swap if you’re not into kale.
- Caesar dressing – My homemade version is a perfect *chef's kiss*!
- Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated makes the salad creamier and way more flavorful than the bagged stuff.
- Bacon – Crispy bacon adds that salty crunch. Leave it out if you want to keep things lighter.
- If you like more salad recipes, try kale caesar salad, chicken ranch pasta salad or cabbage corn salad.
📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.
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How To Make Caesar Pasta Salad
- Cook the pasta: Boil in salted water until al dente. Drain, drizzle with oil, and rinse under cold water.
- Massage the kale: Toss with lemon juice and oil, then rub with your hands until the leaves soften.
- Mix it up: Add pasta, chicken, lemon zest, Parmesan, and dressing to the bowl with kale. Toss until well coated.
- Finish: Crumble in bacon and top with croutons right before serving.
Massage the Kale Well
This step transforms it from tough and bitter to soft and delicious!
Tips
- Keep the pasta slightly firm so it doesn’t get mushy when tossed with dressing.
- Try more homemade crouton styles.
- Use grilled shrimp instead of chicken if you want a seafood twist.
- Add cherry tomatoes or cucumbers for extra crunch and color.
- Always let the salad chill for 30 minutes before serving if you can, it tastes even better!
- Swap the bacon for crispy chickpeas if you want a lighter, protein-packed crunch.
- This salad doubles as a side dish for barbecues and potlucks.
Storing Leftover Pasta Salad
To Store. Keep the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for 2–3 days. Add fresh croutons each time you serve.
More Pasta Recipes
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Recipe Card
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
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INGREDIENTS
- 10 ounces pasta, rotini or fusilli or shells
- 2-3 cups rotisserie chicken, cubed or shredded
- 4 cups kale, stems removed, cut into ribbons or chopped roughly
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, + more for pasta
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 ½ cups Caesar salad dressing
- 2 cups homemade croutons
- 6 slices thick bacon
INSTRUCTIONS
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain well, drizzle with a little oil, and rinse under cold water to cool.10 ounces pasta
- In a large bowl, combine the kale with lemon juice and oil. Massage with your hands until the leaves soften and turn a vibrant green.1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- To assemble, add the pasta to the bowl with the kale. Stir in the lemon zest, chopped chicken, and Parmesan cheese.2-3 cups rotisserie chicken, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, 4 cups kale
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated. Reserve some dressing for later.1 ½ cups Caesar salad dressing
- If you’re enjoying the salad right away, go ahead and mix in the crunchy croutons and bacon. If you’re saving it for later, wait to add them until just before serving, along with a little extra dressing. Give everything a good toss, sprinkle on more Parmesan and freshly cracked pepper, and dig in.2 cups homemade croutons, 6 slices thick bacon
- If the salad seems too thick, I usually add half and half or milk to thin it out as needed. This tip works perfectly the next day too.
- Loved this recipe? Leave a 5-star rating and review. I’d really appreciate it!
NOTES
ADD YOUR OWN PRIVATE NOTES
NUTRITION
Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
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