Name: Caesar Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz rotini pasta; 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, chopped; 1/2 cup Caesar salad dressing; 1 cup croutons; Salt and pepper, to taste

Why You’ll Love Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

This salad is easy to make, perfect for parties and potlucks, and loved by both kids and adults alike. It’s simple to customize with extra protein like chicken or shrimp if you want a heartier dish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups bowtie pasta, uncooked
8 cups romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
¾ cup Caesar salad dressing
½ cup Parmesan cheese
1 ½ cups croutons
1 tsp black pepper

Directions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cool water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.
In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, croutons, and black pepper.
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and toss everything together until well coated. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12 as a side dish (about 1 cup per person)
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Cook time: ~20 minutes
Total time: ~25 minutes

Variations

Add protein: Grilled chicken, bacon bits, or cooked shrimp can turn this into a satisfying main course.
Try a different cheese: Swap Parmesan for shredded Asiago or Romano for a slightly different flavor.
Add veggies: Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or avocado slices can bring extra freshness.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a spicy Caesar dressing.
Swap the pasta: Rotini, penne, or fusilli work well if you don’t have bowtie pasta.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days.
Keep croutons separate and add just before serving so they stay crunchy. It’s best served chilled.

FAQs

How far ahead can I prepare this salad?

You can cook the pasta ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Wait to toss everything together until just before serving so the lettuce stays crisp.

Can I add protein to make it a main dish?

Yes — shredded chicken, grilled shrimp, bacon, or even chickpeas make nice additions to turn this into a more filling meal.

What kind of pasta works best?

Short pasta shapes like bowtie (farfalle), penne, or rotini hold the dressing and mix well with the other ingredients.

Can I use store‑bought Caesar dressing?

Absolutely — store‑bought Caesar dressing works great for this recipe if you don’t want to make your own.

Will the salad stay fresh overnight?

The lettuce can wilt if stored already dressed, so it’s better to store components separately and combine before eating.

Is it okay to use a different lettuce?

Yes, you can substitute romaine with another crisp lettuce like iceberg or a mix of greens — though the classic Caesar flavor comes from romaine.

Can I make this gluten‑free?

Yes — just use gluten‑free pasta and gluten‑free croutons.

Should I rinse the pasta after cooking?

Yes — rinsing in cool water stops the cooking process and keeps the pasta from sticking, which is helpful for cold salads.

What can I serve with this salad?

This goes well with grilled proteins like chicken or shrimp, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

Can I make the dressing from scratch?

Yes, homemade Caesar dressing adds extra flavor, but you can use your favorite store brand for convenience.

Conclusion

This Caesar Pasta Salad blends the best of classic Caesar flavors with satisfying pasta for a versatile dish perfect for gatherings or easy meals. It’s fresh, quick to make, and easy to adapt based on your tastes — just toss together and enjoy.