Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

This amazing pasta salad is perfect for busy families who want something delicious and healthy on the table fast! Everyone from picky kids to health-conscious adults will love this twist on classic Caesar salad. Best of all, you can make it ahead of time and have dinner ready in just 30 minutes.

Recipe Details

Timing & Servings: Prep Time: 20 minutes, Additional Time: 10 minutes, Total Time: 30 minutes, Serves: 6 people, Yield: 9 cups.

Nutrition Profile: Diabetes-Friendly, Nut-Free, Healthy Aging, Healthy Immunity, Low-Sodium, Soy-Free, Heart-Healthy, Egg-Free, Low-Calorie.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): 383 Calories, 14g Fat, 34g Carbs, 33g Protein.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Low-fat buttermilk: You’ll need ½ cup, which makes the dressing super creamy and tangy. This is what gives our Caesar dressing that perfect zip without all the heavy mayo!

Low-fat plain Greek yogurt: Just ¼ cup adds protein and makes everything rich and smooth. I love how it keeps the dressing light but still satisfying.

Extra-virgin olive oil: 3 tablespoons brings all those healthy fats and helps everything blend together beautifully. Don’t skip this – it makes the dressing silky!

Fresh lemon juice: 2 tablespoons of fresh squeezed lemon makes everything bright and fresh. Trust me, fresh is so much better than bottled here.

Dijon mustard: 2 teaspoons adds that perfect little kick and helps bind the dressing. Regular yellow mustard works too if that’s what you have!

Anchovy paste: 1½ teaspoons might sound scary, but this is what makes it taste like real Caesar! You won’t taste fish, just amazing umami flavor.

Garlic: One large clove minced up adds that classic Caesar punch. Fresh garlic makes such a difference in this recipe.

Parmesan cheese: ¾ cup finely grated, divided – this cheese makes everything taste incredible! Get the good stuff if you can, it’s worth it.

Salt and pepper: ½ teaspoon each, divided throughout the recipe. Simple seasonings that bring out all the other flavors perfectly.

Whole-wheat penne: 8 ounces gives you the perfect pasta base. The whole wheat adds fiber and holds the dressing so well!

Cooked chicken breast: 3 cups shredded makes this a complete meal. Rotisserie chicken from the store works great and saves time!

Cherry tomatoes: 1 pint halved adds color, sweetness, and fresh flavor. These little gems make the salad so pretty and delicious.

Romaine lettuce: 5 cups chopped gives you that classic Caesar crunch. Keep it crisp by adding it right before serving!

How to Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Step 1: Add buttermilk, yogurt, oil, lemon juice, mustard, anchovy paste, garlic, ½ cup Parmesan, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper to your blender. Blend on high speed for about 1 minute until completely smooth. Set this creamy dressing aside – it smells amazing already!

Step 2: Cook your penne pasta following the package directions, but skip adding salt to the water. Before draining, save 1 cup of that starchy pasta water – you’ll need it later! Drain the pasta well.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm pasta, shredded chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, ¼ cup of that reserved pasta water, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper. Pour in your buttermilk dressing and stir everything together until well coated. Add more pasta water bit by bit until you get a nice creamy consistency.

Step 4: Cover your bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let all those flavors meld together. You can make this up to 2 days ahead – it just gets better!

Step 5: Right before serving, stir in the chopped romaine lettuce and sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup Parmesan on top. Now you’re ready to enjoy this delicious meal!

Easy and Quick Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Version

Want to make this even faster? You’ve got this! Use store-bought Caesar dressing instead of making your own – just mix ¾ cup with 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt to lighten it up. Skip the chilling time if you’re in a hurry and serve it warm as a pasta dish instead. Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and bagged chopped romaine make this a 15-minute meal!

Serving Ideas

This pasta salad is already a complete meal with protein, veggies, and carbs all in one bowl! Serve it alongside some crusty garlic bread and a simple green salad for a perfect dinner. It’s also fantastic for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep lunches throughout the week.

Storage

Store your pasta salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually get better as it sits! You might need to add a splash of water or milk when you serve leftovers since the pasta absorbs the dressing. Don’t freeze this one – the lettuce and tomatoes won’t be happy about it!

Substitutions

No anchovy paste? You can skip it or use 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce instead. Regular pasta works great if you don’t have whole wheat. Swap the chicken for cooked shrimp, chickpeas, or even leftover turkey. Greek yogurt can be replaced with sour cream, and any short pasta shape will work perfectly here!

Pro Tips

• Save that pasta water: The starch helps the dressing stick to everything and makes it extra creamy!
• Don’t overdress: Start with less dressing and add more as needed – you can always add more but can’t take it away.
• Keep lettuce separate: Add the romaine right before serving so it stays nice and crispy.
• Taste and adjust: Add more lemon juice for brightness or more Parmesan for richness – make it yours!

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad without anchovies?

Sure! You can skip the anchovy paste, but it really does add that authentic Caesar flavor without being fishy. If you’re not into it, try adding an extra teaspoon of Dijon mustard and a splash of Worcestershire sauce instead.

How long does this pasta salad keep in the fridge?

You bet it keeps well! This pasta salad stays fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Just remember to add the lettuce right before serving each time to keep it crispy and fresh.

Can I use regular pasta instead of whole wheat?

Absolutely! Any short pasta shape like regular penne, rotini, or even bowtie pasta works perfectly. The whole wheat just adds extra fiber and nutrients, but use whatever you have on hand.

Is this pasta salad good for meal prep?

Yes! This is perfect for meal prep. Just keep the lettuce separate and add it when you’re ready to eat. Portion it out in containers without the lettuce, then add fresh greens each day for the best texture.

I hope you and your family love this pasta salad as much as mine does! It’s become our go-to for busy weeknights and summer gatherings. Let me know how yours turns out – I’d love to hear about any fun variations you try!