Description

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines tender grilled chicken breast, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese tossed with romaine lettuce and pasta in a zesty natural Caesar dressing. This easy-to-make, flavorful salad is perfect for quick lunches or light dinners, offering a fresh, balanced meal with a delicious creamy texture and a zesty punch.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Greens

2 cups cooked penne or fusilli pasta
3 cups chopped romaine lettuce

Protein and Cheese

2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
4 slices smoked turkey bacon, crisped and chopped
1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or cubed

Dressing and Seasoning

1/3 cup Caesar dressing (natural)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (natural)
1 tablespoon capers, drained
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil your chosen pasta in salted water until al dente following package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.
Prepare the Protein: Grill the chicken breasts until cooked through and juicy. Allow them to rest, then slice into bite-sized pieces. Crisp up the smoked turkey bacon in a pan until golden and place on paper towels to drain.
Mix the Dressing: In a bowl, combine Caesar dressing (natural) with lemon juice (natural). Whisk well until smooth to ensure it coats all ingredients evenly.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, sliced chicken, turkey bacon, capers, plant-based cheese, and fresh parsley. Pour the dressing over and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Season and Serve: Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper on top and add extra lemon juice if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.

Notes

Avoid overcooking pasta to maintain a firm texture that holds dressing well.
Let the grilled chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
Use fresh romaine lettuce for crispness and freshness.
Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Add dressing gradually to prevent sogginess and maintain texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 cup)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy dressing, grilled chicken, pasta salad, quick lunch, light dinner, zesty salad