Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

dressings & sauces mains recipes Mar 07, 2021

If you follow me on Instagram, you’re well aware of my obsession with my Vegan Caesar Dressing, as I find myself posting about it constantly. But for good reason as it simply makes any meal better.

I’ve been loving this dressing in my Kale Salmon Caesar Salad, which, I’ve found is also incredible taken to the next level with whatever roasted veggies you have on hand (take a peek here).

But what I love most about this dressing, in addition to it simply being delicious, is just how easily it comes together, Check out this quick tutorial video I have that shows you the step-by-step how to!

And since I’m constantly looking for new ways to put this dressing to good use, I recently mixed things up a bit with this Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. It has all of the goodness of that classic favorite with the extra texture and heartiness of pasta, which is always a yes from me.

I often use Banza chickpea pasta, but this time around I tried the chickpea version from Tolerant Foods, and I was a huge fan! This variety is organic as well, which is a bonus. But, as always, feel free to utilize whatever you already have in your pantry or can get your hands on at the store.

As is typical for a regular caesar salad, this version also calls for a variety of veggies – romaine, cherry tomatoes and red onion, plus some kale for some added greens. Note that you can swap out whatever lettuce you love best as well!

I personally opt for kale with this dressing as it holds up to the heartiness of the lettuce, and it does well in the fridge without getting wilted. Plus, kale is just so dang nutritious. It’s packed full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, especially vitamin C, calcium and magnesium.

For an added punch of protein, rotisserie chicken is also my go-to. It’s one of my favorite things to grab from the grocery when I’m in a pinch and want something tasty and delicious on hand. But if you prefer to cook your own chicken breasts, that would be perfect as well.

And since this recipe does indeed make a lot, it’s the perfect thing to make for the whole family, meal prep for the week or take to your next get-together with friends or neighbors.

I hope y’all give this fresh and nourishing salad a try for yourself soon .

YIELDS4 Servings

Ingredients

1 box penne pasta, cooked according to package directionsI used Tolerant Foods chickpea pasta
2 cups chopped cooked chickenI used rotisserie chicken
1 pt cherry tomatoes, sliced
½ cup thinly sliced red onion
1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
2 cups chopped kale
Vegan Ceasar Dressing (linked)

Directions

1 Add cooked pasta, chicken, tomatoes, red onion, romaine and kale to a large bowl. Mix to combine.

2 Pour in one cup of dressing, and toss to coat completely. Add more dressing if desired.

3 If serving later, store in an air-tight container in the fridge. Add additional dressing before serving if pasta is a bit dry (it will absorb dressing as it sits).

Enjoy!