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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

by Katerina

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Jul 25, 2014, Updated Jan 04, 2024

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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.

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.

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.

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.

More Salads

• Southwestern Orzo Salad
• Roasted Vegetable Salad
• Very Berry Avocado Salad
• Chef Salad

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Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with Light Caesar Dressing

by Katerina | Diethood

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 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients 

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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)
• ▢ 1½ 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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