Description

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is a fresh and creamy dish combining shredded chicken breast, smoked turkey bacon, romaine lettuce, plant-based cheese, and a zesty apple cider vinegar-based Caesar dressing. Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful pasta salad offers a perfect balance of savory, smoky, and refreshing tastes, ideal for family meals or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta & Proteins

2 cups short pasta (rotini or penne)
2 cooked and shredded chicken breasts
4 slices smoked turkey bacon

Vegetables & Greens

2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley

Cheeses

1/2 cup plant-based cheese, cubed or shredded
1/4 cup plant-based Parmesan, for garnish

Dressing

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1 tsp Dijon mustard (natural)
1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
1/4 tsp natural gelling agent

Seasoning & Garnish

Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta and Chicken: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse thoroughly with cold water to cool. Meanwhile, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink inside. Once cooked and cooled, shred or cube the chicken.
Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In the same skillet, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp. Remove onto paper towels to cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
Make the Zesty Caesar Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, lemon juice, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and natural gelling agent until well emulsified and creamy.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded chicken, chopped smoked turkey bacon, chopped romaine lettuce, and plant-based cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the salad generously with plant-based Parmesan and fresh parsley. Add a final crack of black pepper on top. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Cook pasta 1-2 minutes less than package directions and rinse with cold water to avoid mushiness.
Chill the salad in the fridge for 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
Adjust apple cider vinegar and natural gelling agent amounts to customize dressing thickness.
Use fresh romaine lettuce and herbs for maximum freshness.
Maintain contrast between smoky bacon and creamy dressing for ideal texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: 40 mg

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