• 1.5 lbs Chicken Breasts or Tenderloins, Diced: Chicken is the star protein of this salad, transforming it from a side dish into a complete and satisfying meal. Using chicken breasts or tenderloins ensures lean and tender pieces that cook quickly and absorb the delicious seasonings. Dicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces is key for even cooking and ensures every mouthful of salad is perfectly balanced. For optimal results, opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenderloins. If you are short on time, pre-cut chicken breast cubes can be a convenient shortcut, but always ensure they are fresh and high quality for the best taste and texture.
• 2 Tablespoons Poultry Seasoning (Cajun, Lemon Pepper, etc.): Seasoning is paramount when it comes to chicken. While the recipe suggests cajun or lemon pepper, the possibilities are endless. Poultry seasoning adds depth and complexity to the chicken, elevating it beyond blandness. Cajun seasoning brings a delightful smoky heat that complements the creamy dressing and bacon beautifully, while lemon pepper offers a bright, zesty flavor that cuts through the richness of the salad. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other poultry seasonings like Italian herbs, garlic powder, or even a simple blend of salt, pepper, and paprika. The key is to season generously to ensure the chicken is flavorful on its own and enhances the overall salad.
• 8 Strips Bacon, Diced: Bacon is the secret weapon in this Caesar Pasta Salad, adding a salty, smoky, and undeniably delicious crunch. The crispy bacon bits provide a textural contrast to the tender pasta and chicken, and its savory flavor perfectly complements the creamy dressing and parmesan cheese. When choosing bacon, consider thick-cut bacon for extra flavor and substance. Dicing the bacon before cooking ensures even crisping and renders out the fat efficiently. Don’t discard the rendered bacon fat! Save it for cooking eggs, vegetables, or even adding a smoky depth to other dishes. For a healthier option, you could use turkey bacon, although it will have a slightly different flavor and texture profile.
• 1 lb. Short Pasta (Rotini or Fusilli): Pasta forms the hearty base of this salad, transforming it into a substantial meal. Short pasta shapes like rotini or fusilli are ideal because their spirals and ridges effectively capture the creamy dressing, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Rotini, with its tight spirals, and fusilli, with its looser twists, both work exceptionally well. Other short pasta options that would be delicious include penne, farfalle (bowties), or cavatappi. The key is to choose a pasta that is sturdy enough to hold its shape when tossed with the dressing and other ingredients. For a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat pasta or pasta made from alternative grains like quinoa or chickpeas. Remember to cook the pasta al dente, meaning “to the tooth,” which ensures it has a slight bite and doesn’t become mushy in the salad.
• 12 oz Romaine Lettuce, Chopped: Romaine lettuce provides the classic Caesar salad crunch and freshness to this pasta salad. Its crisp texture and slightly bitter flavor balance the richness of the dressing and other ingredients. Chopping the romaine into bite-sized pieces makes it easy to eat and ensures it’s evenly distributed throughout the salad. Look for firm, vibrant green romaine hearts. Wash and thoroughly dry the lettuce before chopping to prevent a watery salad. If you’re not a fan of romaine, you could substitute it with other crisp lettuces like butter lettuce or even baby spinach for a slightly different flavor profile. However, romaine is truly the classic choice for Caesar salad and provides the best textural contrast.
• 1/2 Cup Parmesan, Freshly Shredded (Plus More for Topping): Parmesan cheese is the quintessential Caesar salad ingredient, adding a salty, nutty, and savory depth of flavor. Freshly shredded parmesan is crucial for the best taste and texture. Pre-shredded parmesan often contains cellulose to prevent clumping, which can affect its melting and flavor. Shredding parmesan directly off a block ensures a richer, more authentic parmesan flavor. Parmigiano-Reggiano is the gold standard of parmesan, offering a complex and intense flavor, but Grana Padano or even good quality domestic parmesan are also excellent options. Don’t skimp on the parmesan – it’s a key flavor component of this salad. Reserve extra parmesan for topping each serving to enhance the visual appeal and add an extra burst of cheesy flavor.
• 1/2 Cup Garlic Butter Croutons, Partially Crushed: Croutons provide another essential textural element – a satisfying crunch that complements the soft pasta and tender chicken. Garlic butter croutons add an extra layer of flavor, infusing the salad with garlicky, buttery goodness. Partially crushing the croutons ensures they are bite-sized and easier to incorporate into the salad without becoming too large and overwhelming. You can use store-bought garlic butter croutons or make your own for an even more flavorful experience. Homemade croutons are surprisingly easy to make and allow you to control the ingredients and flavorings. For a healthier option, consider making whole wheat croutons or using gluten-free bread.
• 1 Teaspoon Salad Supreme Seasoning (or to Taste, Perfect Pinch Brand): Salad supreme seasoning is a unique blend of spices and herbs that adds a distinctive savory and slightly tangy flavor to the salad. Perfect Pinch brand is a popular choice, but you can also find other brands or even make your own salad supreme blend. This seasoning elevates the overall flavor profile and adds a subtle complexity that you wouldn’t get with just salt and pepper. If you can’t find salad supreme seasoning, you can create a similar flavor by combining dried herbs like oregano, basil, and marjoram with garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of paprika. Start with 1 teaspoon and adjust to your taste preference.
• 1/2 Cup Caesar Dressing: Caesar dressing is the creamy, tangy, and flavorful glue that binds all the ingredients together. It’s the heart and soul of Caesar salad, and in this pasta salad, it coats every component, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. You can use your favorite store-bought Caesar dressing for convenience, or elevate the salad by making your own homemade Caesar dressing (recipe provided below). When choosing store-bought dressing, opt for a high-quality brand that uses real ingredients and has a balanced flavor. Experiment with different brands to find your personal favorite.
• 1/3 Cup Ranch Dressing: The addition of ranch dressing is a secret ingredient that takes this Caesar Pasta Salad to the next level. Ranch dressing adds an extra layer of creaminess and tanginess that complements the Caesar dressing beautifully. It smooths out the sharpness of the Caesar and adds a subtle herbaceous note. The combination of Caesar and ranch creates a dressing that is both classic and uniquely delicious. Again, you can use your favorite store-bought ranch dressing or make your own homemade ranch for an even fresher and more flavorful result.
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil: Olive oil is used to cook the chicken, adding a touch of healthy fat and preventing the chicken from sticking to the skillet. Olive oil also imparts a subtle fruity flavor that complements the other ingredients. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor and health benefits. You can substitute with other cooking oils like avocado oil or canola oil if preferred.

Optional Homemade Caesar Dressing:

For those who want to take their Caesar Pasta Salad to the next level, homemade Caesar dressing is the way to go. It’s surprisingly easy to make and tastes infinitely better than store-bought versions. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 Cup Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise forms the creamy base of the Caesar dressing. Use a good quality mayonnaise for the best flavor and texture. Full-fat mayonnaise will provide the richest and creamiest dressing, but you can use light mayonnaise for a slightly lighter option.
• 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard adds a tangy kick and depth of flavor to the dressing. Its sharp, slightly spicy notes balance the richness of the mayonnaise and other ingredients.
• 1 Teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce: Worcestershire sauce is a secret ingredient that adds a savory umami flavor to the dressing. Its complex blend of flavors enhances the overall taste and adds a depth that you wouldn’t get otherwise.
• 3 Small Garlic Cloves, Chopped: Fresh garlic is essential for authentic Caesar dressing. Its pungent and aromatic flavor is a key component of the classic Caesar taste. Use fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor – avoid using pre-minced garlic, which can lack the same intensity.
• 2 Tablespoons Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity to the dressing, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise and other ingredients. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is crucial for the best flavor – avoid using bottled lemon juice, which can taste artificial.
• 3/4 Cup Freshly Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano: Just like in the salad itself, freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano is essential for the homemade Caesar dressing. It adds a salty, nutty, and savory depth of flavor that is unmatched by pre-shredded parmesan.
• 1/4 Teaspoon Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients and balances the overall taste of the dressing. Adjust the amount of salt to your taste preference.
• 1/2 Teaspoon Freshly Ground Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice and warmth to the dressing. Freshly ground pepper has a much more complex and aromatic flavor than pre-ground pepper.