Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad featuring fusilli pasta and salad greens tossed with grilled chicken and a delicious, homemade Light Caesar Dressing.

Aerial view of a bowl with Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad and a Caesar Dressing set near the bowl.


 

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a fusion of classic flavors, ideal for those who love a light yet satisfying meal. This recipe combines the crispness of chopped Romaine lettuce and the heartiness of grilled chicken, all tossed with multi-colored fusilli pasta. What sets this dish apart is the homemade Light Caesar Dressing, a creamy blend of nonfat yogurt, Dijon mustard, fresh garlic, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese, adding a tangy and flavorful twist. Garnished with extra parmesan cheese, this easy-to-prepare salad, ready in just 25 minutes, is perfect for a family meal or a casual gathering.

Pouring homemade Light Caesar Dressing over a pasta salad in a bowl.

Ingredients For Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

  • Multi-color Fusilli Pasta: The base of the salad – adds texture and color. Also, any pasta like penne or rotini can work.
  • Romaine Lettuce: Provides a crunchy, fresh base for the salad. Iceberg or butter lettuce can also be used.
  • Chicken Breast, Grilled: Adds protein and a smoky flavor.
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese: Enhances flavor with a salty, umami kick. You could also use Grated Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
  • Non-Fat Plain Yogurt: Acts as the basis for the Caesar Dressing and adds creaminess.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds tang and depth to the dressing. If you need to substitute, use honey mustard or yellow mustard.
  • Garlic or garlic powder. Minced shallot would also work.
  • Lemon Juice: Brings a fresh, citrusy zest to the dressing. Substitute with lime juice or white wine.

How To Make Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

  • Cook Pasta: Follow package instructions to cook fusilli pasta, then rinse, drain, and cool it completely.
  • Prepare Salad Base: Layer chopped Romaine lettuce on a large plate.
  • Add Chicken and Pasta: Place the cooked pasta over the lettuce and add grilled, bite-sized chicken pieces on top.
  • Make Dressing: In a blender, combine nonfat plain yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon juice, water, and grated parmesan cheese. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  • Assemble: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and pasta.
  • Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with additional grated parmesan cheese and serve.
Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with Light Caesar Dressing served in a large salad bowl.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance your Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad by serving a Minestrone Soup as a starter. Add a vegetable side dish like these Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon. You could also serve it appetizer style with Cajun Fries or make it a meal with these Pork Meatballs.

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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with Light Caesar Dressing

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is made with salad greens, tossed with grilled chicken, and topped with a drizzle of homemade Light Caesar Dressing.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients 

For the Salad

  • 1 pound multi-color fusilli pasta
  • 6 cups chopped Romaine Lettuce
  • 1 pound grilled chicken breasts,, sliced or cut into bite-size pieces
  • grated parmesan cheese,, for garnish

For the Light Caesar Dressing

  • ½ cup Non-Fat Plain Yogurt,, (I use Dannon)
  • tablespoons dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon water,, add 1 more tablespoon for a thinner consistency
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
  • salt and fresh ground black pepper,, to taste
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Instructions 

  • Cook pasta according to the directions on the package; rinse, drain and completely cool.
  • Meanwhile, layer the chopped lettuce on a large, shallow plate.
  • Add cooked pasta over the lettuce and top with sliced grilled chicken; set aside.
  • Prepare the dressing by combining all ingredients in a blender. Blend until creamy and smooth. If it's too thick, add water, about a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Taste for salt and pepper and adjust accordingly.
  • Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Garnish with grated parmesan cheese, and serve.

Notes

  • Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, or avocado chunks for extra textures and flavors.
  • Provide additional Caesar dressing on the side for people who prefer a more robust flavor.
  • Top with croutons for added crunch and texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 149mg | Potassium: 558mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 4130IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 89mg | Iron: 1.4mg

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

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12 Comments

  1. Maggie says:

    Nice salad and the dressing looks healthy enough! I heard using yogurt for the dressing is actually as tasty as using mayo. I’d like to try it out!

  2. Valerie says:

    Ah yes, I remember the SnackWell’s phase. My mom would stock up on their Devil’s Food cookies!

    Lovely chicken Caesar salad; I need this after all the “photo-shoot” cake I noshed on over the weekend!!