Description
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines tender chicken, smoky turkey bacon, and crisp veggies tossed in a creamy (natural) Caesar dressing for a fresh, flavorful meal. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, it offers a balanced mix of protein, veggies, and pasta with a delightful creamy and crunchy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 2 cups short pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups cooked shredded or diced chicken breast
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Vegetables
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Dressing and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (natural)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Toppings
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (plant-based cheese)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it for the salad.
- Prepare the Chicken and Bacon: Cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy, then chop into bite-sized pieces. If the chicken is not cooked, grill or bake the breast, then shred or dice into cubes.
- Combine the Vegetables: Wash and chop the romaine lettuce. Halve the cherry tomatoes to add freshness and crunch.
- Make the Creamy Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together Caesar dressing (natural), lemon juice, garlic powder, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Toss and Serve: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, turkey bacon, romaine lettuce, and cherry tomatoes. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until everything is well-coated. Sprinkle with grated plant-based Parmesan and serve immediately.
Notes
- Cool the pasta under cold water to prevent sticking and maintain salad freshness.
- Use fresh, crisp vegetables and freshly cooked chicken for best flavor.
- Add dressing gradually to avoid a soggy salad and preserve texture.
- Chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving to meld flavors.
- Add dressing just before serving to keep the salad crunchy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, Turkey Bacon Salad, Creamy Caesar Salad, Healthy Pasta Salad, Plant-Based Cheese Salad
