Description
A vibrant and delicious Kale Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combining hearty kale, tender chicken breast, smoked turkey bacon, penne or rotini pasta, shredded plant-based cheese, and a creamy natural Caesar dressing. This refreshing and nutritious salad is quick to prepare, packed with flavor and texture, and perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1 large chicken breast, cooked and sliced
- 3 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 1/2 cups cooked penne or rotini pasta
- 1/2 cup shredded plant-based cheese
Creamy Dressing (Natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent (optional)
Additional Seasonings
- Pinch of sea salt for massaging kale
- Extra black pepper and shredded plant-based cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta of your choice until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breast with salt and black pepper. Grill or sauté until fully cooked and golden on the outside. Slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Crisp the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Cook smoked turkey bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy. Drain excess oil on paper towels, then chop or crumble into small pieces.
- Massage the Kale: Place chopped kale in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Gently massage the leaves until they soften and wilt slightly.
- Whip Up the Creamy Dressing (Natural): In a small bowl, whisk together vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, black pepper, sea salt, and natural gelling agent until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the massaged kale, cooked pasta, sliced chicken, crispy smoked turkey bacon, and shredded plant-based cheese. Drizzle with the creamy dressing and toss gently to coat evenly.
Notes
- Use fresh kale for the best flavor and texture.
- Do not overcook pasta to retain a nice bite.
- Massage kale well to reduce bitterness and improve chewiness.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor melding.
- Adjust dressing consistency with extra olive oil or water as needed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days; keep dressing separate for freshness.
- Freeze not recommended as texture may change.
- Reheat chicken and pasta gently, then toss with fresh kale and dressing before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: thirty-five grams
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Kale Salad, Chicken Salad, Caesar Pasta Salad, Healthy Salad, Plant-based Cheese Salad, Gluten Free Salad
