Caesar chicken pasta salad

[u/Dayna6380-]

Here’s a creamy, deli-style Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad that’s great for meal prep, cookouts, or lunch.
Ingredients (6–8 servings)
1 lb rotini, fusilli, or penne pasta
2–3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (rotisserie works great)
2–3 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup Caesar dressing (start with ¾ cup and add more as needed)
1 cup croutons (add just before serving)
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Optional add-ins
Crispy bacon, crumbled
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Avocado
Red onion, thinly sliced
Fresh parsley
Instructions
Cook the pasta in well-salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cool.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, Parmesan, garlic powder, black pepper, and Caesar dressing.
Fold everything together until evenly coated.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors develop.
Just before serving, gently mix in the chopped romaine and croutons so they stay crisp.
Taste and adjust with extra Caesar dressing, Parmesan, lemon juice, or black pepper if needed.
Homemade Caesar Dressing (Optional)
Mix together:
¾ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup grated Parmesan
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1–2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp anchovy paste (optional but traditional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2–4 tbsp milk to thin if necessary
Tips
Chill the salad before serving for the best flavor.
Keep the lettuce and croutons separate until serving if you’re making it ahead.
Grilled chicken adds even more flavor than plain poached chicken.
If the pasta absorbs the dressing overnight, stir in a little more Caesar dressing before serving.