Description
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with creamy plant-based Caesar dressing (natural), smoked turkey bacon, fresh crisp veggies, and tender chicken breast. Ready in under 30 minutes, this protein-packed, colorful salad is perfect for busy days, casual gatherings, or meal prep. It combines classic Caesar flavors with hearty pasta and vibrant textures for a satisfying, fresh, and flavorful meal all in one bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 2 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 4 strips smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Vegetables
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
Dressing and Flavorings
- 1/2 cup creamy Caesar dressing (natural, plant-based)
- 1 clove garlic, freshly minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (natural)
- 1/4 cup plant-based Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta and Chicken: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Dice or shred cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Chop smoked turkey bacon into small strips. Cook in a pan over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Drain on paper towels and let cool.
- Chop Vegetables and Prepare Dressing: Rinse and chop romaine lettuce. Halve cherry tomatoes. Slice cucumber thinly. In a small bowl, whisk together creamy Caesar dressing (natural), minced garlic, and fresh lemon juice (natural) to create a tangy dressing.
- Combine All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together cooled pasta, chicken, smoked turkey bacon, chopped vegetables, and creamy Caesar dressing until evenly coated without crushing the veggies.
- Add Plant-Based Parmesan Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle plant-based Parmesan cheese over the salad and give one final gentle toss. Serve immediately or chill for an hour to let flavors meld.
Notes
- Use al dente pasta to maintain texture and prevent mushiness.
- Cool all ingredients before mixing to keep salad crisp and fresh.
- Prepare bacon and chop vegetables a day ahead to save time.
- Adjust dressing consistency with a splash of grape juice if too thick, or add extra garlic for more flavor.
- Add crunchy toppings like nuts or bacon just before serving to keep them crisp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: thirty-five g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, Plant-Based Dressing, Smoked Turkey Bacon, Quick Salad, Protein-Packed Salad
