Ready to elevate your salad game? This Rotini Caesar Salad with Bacon and Parmesan takes the essence of the best Caesar salad—creaminess, crunch, that rich umami bite—and marries it with tender pasta and smoky bacon. It's playful yet comforting, ideal for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or any time you want a vibrant, filling option. Think of it as a grilled Caesar salad’s pasta cousin: all the flavor, minus the char. Whether you call it a chicken pasta salad or simply a pasta Caesar salad, it nails every craving with flair.
Rotini Caesar Salad with Bacon and Parmesan
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Italian
Large stockpot for boiling pasta
Large skillet ideal for crisping bacon and lightly sautéing garlic
Large Mixing Bowl wide enough to toss pasta, dressing, and lettuce
Whisk for emulsifying dressing if making your own
Cutting board & sharp knife. chopping bacon, lettuce, garlic
- 8 oz rotini pasta about 2 cups uncooked – you can swap for fusilli or gemelli if needed
- 6 strips thick-cut bacon cut into ½-inch pieces
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 cups romaine lettuce chopped (optional: add cooked chicken to make it a full chicken Caesar pasta salad)
- ½ cup Caesar dressing use your favorite for the best Caesar salad experience—reinforcing that classic flavor
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large garlic clove minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce classic in Caesar dressing recipes
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional mix-ins: grilled chicken breast strips, crouton bites, cherry tomatoes
Prepare the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook to al dente, about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta quickly—important for a pasta Caesar salad so the dressing sticks to every swirl.
Crisp the bacon
While the pasta boils, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook until golden-brown and crisp, about 6–8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate. Leave about a tablespoon of bacon grease in the pan.
Sauté garlic
With the skillet still hot, add minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn. Turn off the heat and let smell infuse the pan’s remaining bacon fat.
Whisk dressing (or use store-bought)
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic from the skillet, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and about half of the Parmesan cheese. If using store-bought Caesar dressing, just whisk it with oil and a bit of cheese to freshen it up. This is your homemade ceased salad dressing twist.
Assemble the pasta Caesar salad
In the large mixing bowl, combine drained rotini, crisp bacon, chopped romaine lettuce if using, and Caesar dressing. Toss thoroughly so the dressing coats every twist and lettuce piece. Taste and adjust seasoning with freshly ground black pepper; add more Parmesan if desired.
Serve and garnish
Plate the salad family-style or individual portions. Sprinkle extra Parmesan over the top—feel free to shave for that restaurant look. Add optional mix-ins like grilled chicken (great for a chicken caesar salad or full chicken pasta salad), crouton bites for crunch, or halved cherry tomatoes for color.
Pairings
- Proteins: Grilled or baked chicken breast makes this a chicken Caesar pasta salad; grilled shrimp or salmon work beautifully, too.
- Sides: Serve alongside garlic bread, warm focaccia, or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced meal.
- Drinks: A crisp Pinot Grigio or a light pale ale complements the creamy dressing and smoky bacon. For non-alcoholic choices, try lemony iced tea or sparkling water with a twist of lime.
- Add-ons: Top with shaved pecorino or crumbled blue cheese for deeper flavor. Want a bit more punch? Toss in sliced grilled red onions or pepperoncini.
FAQs
1. What kind of chicken is best for a chicken Caesar pasta salad?
Boneless, skinless chicken breast works great when grilled or pan-seared, offering lean protein. Thighs bring more richness and juiciness if you prefer darker meat. Slice thinly so every bite hits pasta and dressing.
2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Keep the pasta, dressing, bacon, and lettuce separately. Toss everything together 10 minutes before serving to ensure textures stay crisp and nice.
3. Can I substitute the Caesar dressing?
Absolutely. Use a healthy Caesar salad version with yogurt or avocado mayo as the base. Or use a classic creamy Caesar dressing for richer flavor.
4. Is it possible to make a vegetarian or vegan version?
For a vegetarian twist, replace bacon with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon and use vegetarian Parmesan. For vegan, switch to a vegan Caesar dressing (made with cashew cream or tahini) and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
5. Any tips for a pasta Caesar salad recipe easy to scale?
Yes—double everything except pasta (it cooks to crowd the bowl otherwise). Always toss ingredients in stages: pasta with dressing first, then bacon, cheese, and lettuce so nothing gets soggy.
