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Creamy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe
Nimble Chef

Easy High Protein Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

This High Protein Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is creamy, satisfying, and packed with protein from grilled chicken, Parmesan, and Greek yogurt. Perfect for meal prep, lunches, or a quick healthy dinner, it combines crisp romaine, tender chicken, pasta, and Caesar dressing in one flavorful bowl.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 2 large grilled or baked chicken breasts (about 500g cooked)
  • 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 60 g Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 handful croutons
  • cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • 1/4 cup Caesar dressing
  • 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • grill or oven
  • mixing bowl
  • small bowl
  • Whisk
  • knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse briefly with cold water, and toss with a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking while it cools.
  2. Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Grill over medium-high heat for 6–7 minutes per side or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 22–25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the Caesar dressing, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped romaine lettuce, and sliced chicken. Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the mixture and toss well.
  5. Add more dressing if needed until everything is evenly coated but not overly saturated.
  6. Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and croutons immediately before serving to maintain their crisp texture.

Notes

For best meal prep results, store the dressing separately and add the romaine and croutons just before serving. Let pasta cool completely before mixing with the dressing to avoid a greasy texture. Toast homemade croutons for extra crunch, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon before serving.