Description
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad blends tender chicken, plant-based cheese, and crisp veggies with a creamy, tangy dressing featuring plant-based Greek-style yogurt and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). This fresh and satisfying dish is quick to prepare, perfect for lunch, dinner, or a flavorful picnic treat, offering a delicious mix of creamy, savory, and crunchy textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta
- 1 ½ cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups pasta of choice (fusilli or penne recommended)
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Vegetables and Cheese
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- ½ cup plant-based cheese, diced or shredded
Dressing
- ½ cup plant-based Greek-style yogurt
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (natural)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- ¼ teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta and Chicken: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Meanwhile, pan-fry diced chicken breast in a lightly oiled pan until golden and cooked through, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In the same pan, cook the smoked turkey bacon slices until crisp and caramelized. Remove, let cool slightly, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Creamy Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together plant-based Greek-style yogurt, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar, lemon juice (natural), garlic powder (natural), and natural gelling agent. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring a smooth, tangy dressing that coats well.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss the cooled pasta, cooked chicken, smoked turkey bacon, chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and plant-based cheese with the dressing until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, gently toss again to refresh the textures, then garnish as desired.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to help the dressing cling and prevent lettuce wilting.
- Add dressing gradually to avoid a soggy salad.
- Prepare pasta and chicken in advance to save time during assembly.
- For extra crunch, add toasted nuts or seeds.
- Always use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor in the dressing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy dressing, quick pasta salad, picnic salad
