Go Back

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad for Smart Meal Prep Ideas

Meal prep ideas don’t have to be boring, bland, or boxed up in those sad containers we always forget in the fridge. This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad brings bold flavor to your lunchbox and makes every bite feel like a little high-five to your future self. We’re talking tender rotisserie chicken (yes, the store-bought kind you grab in a rush), perfectly cooked pasta, crunchy kale that’s been massaged like it just left a spa, and a Caesar dressing that could make a cardboard box taste good. This isn’t just a recipe meal prep. This is a ‘wow, I actually want to eat this every day’ kind of prep. So if you’ve been hunting for meal prep chicken recipes that won’t leave you crying into your Tupperware, this one’s for you. It checks the boxes for recipes meal prep fans, Caesar recipe lovers, and folks who just want the best meal prep recipes with a Caesar salad dressing recipe that *actually* delivers.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keywords: best meal prep recipes, caesar recipe, caesar salad dressing recipe, meal prep chicken recipes, meal prep ideas, recipe meal prep, recipes meal prep
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Lila

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini work well)
  • 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
  • 2 cups chopped kale, ribs removed
  • 1/3 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: croutons for crunch

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and let cool.
  2. Massage chopped kale with a splash of olive oil or a bit of the dressing until softened—about 1–2 minutes.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, chicken, kale, and cherry tomatoes.
  4. Add Caesar dressing and toss to coat everything evenly.
  5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top, add salt and pepper to taste.
  6. If using, top with croutons just before serving for crunch.