Pesto Pasta Chicken Caesar Salad made with chicken, romaine blend, pesto bowtie pasta, Parmesan, red bell peppers and croutons; Caesar dressing
Credit: Josh Blaylock
The Caesar Salad With Pesto Power
Newk’s Eatery | Based in Jackson, Miss.
Frank Paci
Few menu fixtures are as well positioned for reinvention as the ubiquitous Caesar salad. The culinary challenge centers on casting for a contemporary update that doesn’t stray too far from the classic approach but far enough to serve as a unique calling card for the brand. At fast casual Newk’s Eatery, founder Chris Newcomb threads that needle with the Pesto Pasta Chicken Caesar Salad, bringing together various components that are each prized in their own right.
“We took our beloved classic Caesar salad and gave it a delicious upgrade by blending in our signature pesto pasta,” says Frank Paci, CEO. “The result is a heartier, flavor-packed dish that combines crisp romaine, creamy Caesar dressing and all-natural chicken with the rich, herby goodness of pesto-coated pasta. Crisp red bell peppers add a touch of sweetness, while bold, aged Parmesan provides a savory bitterness. It checks all the boxes for a truly fulfilling salad experience.” Introduced as an LTO in 2024, the dish became one of the highest-selling LTO salads for Newk’s, leading to its addition to the chain’s core menu in 2025.
About the Author
Patricia Fitzgerald serves different roles on the Flavor & The Menu team, including writing custom content, Kitchen Collaborative chef spotlights and digital editorial content, as well as acting as a contributing editor for the print magazine. As owner of PFitzCommunications, she specializes in various areas of foodservice and hospitality, while also maintaining clients in other industries and professions. She can be reached at pfitzcommunications@gmail.com.Read More Stories by Patricia Fitzgerald
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