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This easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad has all the good stuff we love, including grilled chicken, crispy croutons, fresh vegetables, and penne pasta all tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing. It's fresh, satisfying, and ready in just 30 minutes!

This high protein chicken caesar pasta salad recipe has everything you love about caesar salad with pasta to make it a hearty, fresh, and light meal perfect for summer!

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a winner for so many occasions.

I've been making this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad for years! I love that it comes together in just 30 minutes, travels perfectly to potlucks and BBQs, and works just as well as a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of crunchy croutons, crisp romaine, juicy chicken, and creamy Caesar dressing in every bite is just unbeatable. If you're looking for an easy pasta salad recipe that's fresh, filling, and always a crave worthy, this one is it!

Try more of my pasta salad recipes, like Orzo Salad, Italian Pasta Salad, Chicken Pasta Salad, Cold Noodle Salad, Street Corn Pasta Salad, and Pesto Tortellini!

How to make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad:

Cook Pasta: Follow instructions on package to cook pasta. Drain water then set pasta aside to cool.

Combine Ingredients: Chop the grilled chicken breasts into small chunks. In a large bowl, toss together chicken, cooked penne pasta, lettuce, cucumber, carrot, green onion, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese and croutons.

Add Dressing: Drizzle with desired amount of Caesar salad dressing then toss to coat. Serve this simple chicken caesar pasta salad recipe for potlucks, BBQ's, or just an easy and fresh meal.

This Grilled Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad recipe couldn't be easier to make with pasta, chopped veggies, tender chicken, and a creamy caesar dressing. It's a 30-minute meal that is fresh and delicious!
5 from 88 votes

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Author: Lauren Allen
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is packed with juicy grilled chicken, croutons, parmesan cheese, and fresh veggies, all coated in a rich Caesar dressing! Whether you're meal prepping for the week or feeding a crowd at your next BBQ, this cold pasta salad comes together in just 30 minutes.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

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Ingredients 
 

  • 6 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, , grilled
  • 4 cups Romaine lettuces, , chopped
  • 1/2 medium size cucumber, , chopped
  • 1 carrot, , shredded
  • 1/4 cup green onion, , thinly sliced
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, , halved
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup croutons, (optional)
  • Caesar salad dressing, , to taste

Instructions 

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain water and set aside to cool.
    6 ounces penne pasta
  • Chop the grilled chicken breasts into small chunks.
    1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
  •  In a large bowl toss together chicken, cooked penne pasta, lettuce, cucumber, carrot, green onion, cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese and croutons.
    4 cups Romaine lettuces, ½ medium size cucumber, 1 carrot, ¼ cup green onion, 2 cups cherry tomatoes, ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, ½ cup croutons
  • Drizzle with desired amount of Caesar salad dressing and toss to coat.
    Caesar salad dressing

Notes

*Nutritional label does not include dressing.
Make Ahead Instructions: The chicken can be cooked and all the ingredients can be chopped ahead of time. Wait to add the dressing until ready to serve.
Storing Instructions: This creamy chicken pasta salad is best served fresh, but it will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for a day or two. To make it work for meal prep I'd suggest storing the lettuce separately, and mixing it in just before eating.
Dressing – You can make homemade Caesar dressing, or buy a good quality creamy Caesar dressing from the store. I like Newman's Own or Marzetti brand.
No Chicken – I love how the chicken makes it more filling, but you can leave it out.
Gluten-free Adaptations: use gluten-free penne pasta, Caesar's dressing, and croutons.

Nutrition

Calories: 372kcal, Carbohydrates: 43g, Protein: 34g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 80mg, Sodium: 330mg, Potassium: 930mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 7201IU, Vitamin C: 24mg, Calcium: 130mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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*I originally shared this recipe May 2014. Updated June 2018, July 2022 and April 2026.

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About The Author

Lauren Allen

Welcome! I’m Lauren, a mom of four and lover of good food. Here you’ll find easy recipes and weeknight meal ideas made with real ingredients, with step-by-step photos and videos.

5 from 88 votes (74 ratings without comment)
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Chris
6 years ago

This was delicious. A friend makes it with cheese tortellini, making it a big heartier to satisfy growing teenagers with seemingly endless appetites.

Meredith Gilardoni
7 years ago

5 stars
This is so delicious and easy! Even my kids loved it! Thank you!

Brenda
9 years ago

Would the lettuce get soggy if we had leftovers for lunch the next day?

Pepper
3 years ago
Reply to  Brenda

Save some without the dressing for the next day. Then add dressing!

Candace Glenney
9 years ago

Love this salad! It has some of everything.

Beki G
10 years ago

What caesar dressing do you prefer? I haven’t found one that I’ve really liked yet.

clare speer
10 years ago

This looks delicious!

Gin
11 years ago

Love this recipe. I am sooo NOT a good cook, but all 4 of my kids have requested that I make this again! Wooohoooo! Thanks again!

Becky @ lovetobeinthekitchen
11 years ago

Mmm! This looks so good! My husband would love this too. Thanks!

Yvonne @ Tried and Tasty
11 years ago

Wow, this looks DELICIOUS! In fact.. I wish I had some for lunch today! Thanks for the great recipe. Pinning!

Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later!
11 years ago

This is absolutely something my family would eat! Pinning!

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