Some meals know how to play it cool, and Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is one of them. It’s got that laid-back energy of a salad but shows up with pasta like it means business. It checks the WW box without tasting like you’ve given up on flavor—or fun. Easy to throw together and hard to stop eating, this one’s built for repeat lunches and last-minute dinners. If your fork had opinions, it would probably give this a standing ovation.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Ingredients in Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
1 lb boneless chicken breast, cubed (450 g), 1 tsp olive oil (5 ml / 4.5 g), ½ tsp salt (3 g), ½ tsp black pepper (2 g), 4 cups mixed lettuce leaves, chopped (120 g), 1 cup cooked fusilli pasta (100 g), ¼ cup Parmesan cheese shavings (20 g), ½ cup croutons (optional, 30 g). Dressing: ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (120 g), 1 tbsp yellow mustard (15 g), 1 tbsp red wine vinegar (15 ml), 1 tsp anchovy paste (5 g), 2 garlic cloves, minced (6 g), ¼ tsp salt (1.5 g), ¼ tsp black pepper (1 g).
Cook the Chicken
Season cubed chicken breast with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fully cooked (165°F). Let it cool completely.
Make the Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, yellow mustard, red wine vinegar, anchovy paste, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine chopped lettuce, cooked fusilli pasta, and cooled chicken. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to coat.
Finish and Serve
Top with Parmesan shavings and optional croutons. Serve immediately for best texture.
Substitutions and Variations
For a lower-Points or lighter version of Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, use grilled chicken breast and whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added fiber and fewer refined carbs. Opt for a light Caesar dressing or make your own using nonfat Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and anchovy paste. Swap out croutons for roasted chickpeas or omit them entirely. Romaine lettuce is low in calories, but you can bulk it up with shredded cabbage or spinach for more volume without adding Points. Finally, limit cheese to a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan or skip it to cut back further.
Recipe Tips for Making Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
For the best texture, always add the dressing and croutons just before serving—otherwise, the lettuce wilts and croutons go soggy fast. Marinate your chicken with extra herbs like oregano for more depth, and make sure it’s completely cool before tossing it in. If you’re watching your Points, skip the croutons or replace half the pasta with cherry tomatoes for a lighter bowl. Don’t skip the Parmesan, though—a little goes a long way in flavor. This salad is all about timing and balance, so prep everything in advance but combine at the last minute.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
