Description
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines tender grilled chicken, smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and crisp romaine lettuce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and a tangy, refreshing dressing. Ideal for quick lunches, meal prep, or casual dinners, this salad offers a balanced mix of textures and flavors that stay vibrant and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
- 3 cups pasta of your choice (penne or fusilli recommended)
- 4 cups chopped crisp romaine lettuce
- 1 cup shredded plant-based cheese (plant-based)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil (natural)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- Pinch of natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for a refreshing salad texture.
- Prepare the Chicken and Smoked Turkey Bacon: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear until cooked through and juicy. Slice into bite-sized pieces. In the same pan, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy, then chop roughly.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of natural gelling agent until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sliced chicken, smoked turkey bacon, chopped romaine lettuce, and shredded plant-based cheese. Pour the dressing over and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and chill. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use high-quality olive oil (natural) for best dressing flavor.
- Rinse pasta under cold water to keep salad vibrant and prevent mushiness.
- Chop romaine lettuce just before assembling to maintain crispness.
- Make the dressing in advance to allow the natural gelling agent to activate and enhance flavors.
- Adjust seasoning while tasting to achieve perfect balance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, grilled chicken, pasta salad, healthy pasta recipe, quick meal, meal prep
