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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
4.8 from 18 votes

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

No need to decide between chicken Caesar salad or pasta salad. This 30-minute lunch recipe combines both into one mash-up recipe that only gets better once you add crispy bacon and a simple homemade Caesar dressing.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 251 kcal
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Caesar dressing (see note 1):
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
  • 2 tablespoons brown mustard spicy
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • black pepper freshly ground
  • salt freshly ground
For the pasta salad:
  • 1 pound rotini pasta or other small pasta (see note 2
  • 1 pound chicken breast cutlets
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning homemade or store-bought (see note 3)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large head romaine lettuce chopped
  • 2 cups croutons (see note 4)
  • 8 ounces Bacon crumbled (8 slices, cooked
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese grated, freshly grated

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. To make the dressing, in a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, brown mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper to taste (I like 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper). Cover and refrigerate while preparing the rest of the salad.
  2. In a large saucepan or stock pot, bring 4 quarts water and 1 tablespoon salt to a boil. Add rotini and cook according to package instructions, about 9 to 11 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  3. Meanwhile, arrange chicken on a baking sheet or work surface and sprinkle both sides generously with Cajun seasoning. 
  4. In large skillet, heat oil until shimmering. Arrange chicken in a single layer and cook, flipping once, until the temperature on an internal thermometer reaches 165 degrees, about 5 minutes on each side. Remove from heat and rest for 5 minutes. Slice into strips.
  5. In a very large bowl, combine cooled rotini, lettuce, croutons, and bacon. Drizzle with Caesar salad dressing and toss until uniformly coated. Top with chicken and garnish with Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Caesar dressing: Or substitute your favorite store-bought brand. See my Caesar dressing recipe for a classic version (with anchovies and whole egg), or follow the homemade salad dressing instructions below for an anchovy-free option.
  • Rotini: These short corkscrews are stellar as vehicles for a large amount of the Caesar dressing. Any small pasta works well, though. Use elbows, farfalle, gemelli, penne, or orecchiette, if you prefer.
  • Cajun seasoning: To make your own, in a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons paprika, with 2 tablespoons garlic powder, 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning, 2 tablespoons salt, 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon thyme, and 1 tablespoon onion powder. 
  • Croutons: To make your own, cut 1 loaf (1 pound) into cubes, then toss in a large bowl with 1/4 cup oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until combined. Spread on a rimmed baking sheet and bake in a 450-degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Yield: This recipe makes a whopping 16 servings in just 30 minutes, ideal for family lunches throughout the week or as part of a potluck menu. If desired, halve the recipe to feed a smaller crowd.
  • Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Make ahead: The salad dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance.

Nutrition Information

Serving 2cups Calories 251kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 26g (9%) Protein 16g (32%) Fat 9g (14%) Saturated Fat 3g (15%) Trans Fat 1g (50%) Cholesterol 33mg (11%) Sodium 332mg (14%) Potassium 363mg (8%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 3866IU (77%) Vitamin C 2mg (2%) Calcium 44mg (4%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 16 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 251

% Daily Value*

Serving 2cups
Calories 251kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 26g 9%
Protein 16g 32%
Fat 9g 14%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 33mg 11%
Sodium 332mg 14%
Potassium 363mg 8%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 3866IU 77%
Vitamin C 2mg 2%
Calcium 44mg 4%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.