Description

This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad offers a hearty and vibrant meal with tender chicken, smoky turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, and crisp vegetables tossed in a creamy natural dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch, casual gatherings, or an easy-to-prepare satisfying dish, it combines fresh textures and rich flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 cup cooked and shredded chicken breast
1/2 cup smoked turkey bacon, pan-fried and chopped

Base

2 cups pasta of your choice (fusilli or penne recommended), cooked al dente and cooled
2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup plant-based cheese, cubed or shredded

Dressing

1/4 cup mayonnaise (natural)
1/4 cup plant-based Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Start by boiling your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down for the salad.
Prepare the chicken and turkey bacon: Grill or pan-sear seasoned chicken breasts until cooked through, then slice or shred. For the smoked turkey bacon, pan-fry until crisp, then chop into bite-sized pieces for texture and smoky flavor.
Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (natural), plant-based Greek yogurt, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), garlic powder (natural), salt, and black pepper until creamy and well combined.
Combine ingredients: In a large salad bowl, toss the cooled pasta with romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, plant-based cheese, chicken, and turkey bacon. Pour the dressing over and gently mix everything together until evenly coated.
Chill and serve: For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the dressing meld with the ingredients. Serve chilled, topped with extra cracked black pepper if desired.

Notes

Use fresh veggies for the best crispness and texture.
Add dressing gradually to avoid soggy pasta and vegetables.
Cook pasta al dente to maintain firm texture in the salad.
Chill the salad before serving to enhance flavor melding.
Prepare up to one day in advance; flavors improve after resting.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy dressing, easy lunch, healthy salad, gluten free