Can I use leftover chicken?

Roasted, grilled, and rotisserie chicken leftovers are other options. Shred or dice the chicken to use in the salad.

What can replace romaine lettuce?

Spinach and arugula can be used as alternatives to romaine in a salad. Arugula will taste stronger than romaine; adjust the dressing when serving arugula salads. Use whatever leafy greens you have on hand.

How do I make it vegetarian?

Delete chicken and add more servings of vegetables or chickpeas. Other vegetables or roasted red peppers, including artichokes, can be added. Pasta, salad dressing, Parmesan cheese, and croutons can be part of your meal, and other vegetables and chickpeas can be part of your meal.

Mix all salad ingredients except dressing. Serve right away without dressing. Keep undressed salad chilled, covered, in the refrigerator for up to two hours to let the flavors develop. Toss with dressing right before serving. Add croutons just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.

How long do leftovers keep?

Eat leftovers in one day. Keep the salad and dressing in separate containers.

Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with Rotini and Romaine

By Miles CarrOct 15, 2026

Total

20 min

Servings

Level

Easy

Jump to recipe

Cooked chicken breast is one of the main ingredients in this chicken Caesar pasta salad. Shredded or diced chicken breast can be used with the pasta in the salad. I like to use rotini pasta in this recipe because the shape holds the Caesar dressing well. Chop romaine and croutons to add texture to the salad. (Rotini is suggested for texture.)

Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with Rotini and Romaine

Cook pasta al dente for 8 to 10 minutes. Rinse and drain pasta in cold water before adding it to the salad to keep it from getting soggy. I prefer my pasta salad without soggy pasta. Using a large mixing bowl and spoon can help keep lettuce from bruising as you mix the pasta salad. Cold pasta can leave more room in the bowl for mixing with other ingredients.

I pour dressing onto cooled pasta and chicken in a bowl and gently toss. I fold in Parmesan and add any additional seasoning before serving. I use homemade salad dressing, though store-bought dressings are fine if I don't have time to make my own on other days. The cheese is mixed into the salad, not just sprinkled on top.

Crushed croutons are added to salads after preparation and do not completely mix with other ingredients. They provide a crunchy texture along with other salad ingredients without soaking up dressing. Fresh parsley or basil can also be used as a garnish if desired. I eat this salad at lunch and dinner, including cold meals with chicken and pasta.

Why you'll love this recipe

1The curly shape of rotini helps it hold dressing. Rotini is coated with dressing.
2Cooked chicken breast is a good choice. You can use pre-roasted or pre-grilled chicken pieces.
3Romaine offers crunch. Spinach is a suitable replacement if you don't have romaine.
4Cherry tomatoes are optional. Leave them out if you can't find or can't afford cherry tomatoes or if they are not in season.
5Parmesan cheese is stirred into the salad. It is not just a topping.
6Fresh herbs are served as a garnish if they are available.

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain it, rinse under cold water, and drain well.

Put the cooled pasta, chicken, romaine, and cherry tomatoes, if using, in a large bowl. Toss gently with a big spoon.

Pour the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently until the pasta and chicken are coated.

Stir in the grated Parmesan, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Sprinkle the crushed croutons over the salad just before serving.

Garnish with parsley or basil, if using. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.

FAQ

Rotini is my preferred pasta option because the spirals hold salad dressing well. Penne is another option. Fusilli and bowtie pasta can be used for salad if you have these options. Rice and chickpea pasta are alternative options without gluten.

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