Go Back

High Protein Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

A hearty yet light pasta salad that combines rotini pasta, protein-packed chicken, and a creamy twist on classic Caesar dressing, enhanced with fresh vegetables and crunchy croutons.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 850

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken
  • 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
  • 3 cups cooked, diced chicken breast
Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Fresh Ingredients
  • 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
Toppings
  • 1 cup croutons, roughly crushed
  • Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, which usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and immediately rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Caesar dressing, plain Greek yogurt, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Mixing
  1. Add the cooled pasta and diced chicken breast to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to coat every piece evenly.
  2. Fold in the chopped romaine lettuce and halved cherry tomatoes. Mix gently to avoid wilting the lettuce.
Serving
  1. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese and crushed croutons over the top just before serving. Add fresh cracked black pepper to taste. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Storage
  1. Store the pasta and chicken mixture separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce and croutons aside and add them just prior to serving.

Notes

This salad can be made ahead of time and is adaptable to dietary needs. Consider swapping out ingredients as needed for a variety of flavors.