Description

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines tender grilled chicken, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese with crisp romaine and perfectly cooked pasta in a luscious natural dressing. Ideal for quick meals or gatherings, this flavorful, refreshing dish balances hearty protein and fresh vegetables with a zesty dressing that brings every bite to life.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

2 cups cooked pasta (rotini or penne)
2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
4 slices smoked turkey bacon

Vegetables and Cheese

3 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 cup shredded plant-based cheese

Dressing

1/3 cup mayonnaise (natural)
2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice (natural)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
Pinch of salt and black pepper
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent

Instructions

Prepare the pasta and chicken: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool. Meanwhile, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and grill or pan-sear until cooked through and juicy. Let rest, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
Cook the smoked turkey bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook smoked turkey bacon until perfectly crisp. Drain on paper towels, then crumble or chop into small pieces.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), minced garlic, lemon juice (natural), apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard (natural), salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Add natural gelling agent if desired to thicken.
Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, gently toss together cooled pasta, sliced chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, crispy bacon pieces, and shredded plant-based cheese. Drizzle dressing over the mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Serve immediately or chill: Enjoy right away for crisp freshness or refrigerate for 30 minutes to meld flavors.

Notes

Use freshly cooked pasta to help dressing cling without sogginess.
Pat dry romaine lettuce to prevent dilution of dressing.
Cook turkey bacon until crisp to enhance texture and flavor.
Mince garlic finely to evenly distribute flavor without overpowering.
Adjust dressing thickness with natural gelling agent as needed.
Chill salad before serving to blend flavors more harmoniously.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Grilling and Sautéing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy dressing, quick pasta salad