High-Protein Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
This high-protein chicken Caesar pasta salad has 30 grams of protein per serving and comes together in 30 minutes. The creamy, healthy Greek yogurt Caesar dressing skips the mayo and anchovies but tastes every bit as rich as the classic — it's the lunch and dinner I make on repeat.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed (grilled, baked, or rotisserie)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, (optional)
Salad:
- 8 oz dried pasta, (fusilli, farfalle bowtie, rotini, or penne)
- 1 cup sweet cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 romaine hearts, chopped
- ¼ - ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese, depending on your preference
Dressing:
- ⅓ - ½ cup healthy Caesar salad dressing, depending on your preference
Instructions
- Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente — I pull mine 60 seconds early.
- Rinse and cool. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.
- Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together all the Greek yogurt Caesar dressing ingredients until smooth. Taste and adjust the lemon, salt, and pepper as needed. Store-bought works in a pinch, but the homemade version has more protein and no mayo.
- Season the chicken (optional). If desired, toss the cubed chicken with a splash of balsamic vinegar in a separate bowl for extra flavor.
- Combine. In a large serving bowl, add the cooked pasta, cubed chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped romaine, and shaved parmesan.
- Dress. Pour the dressing over the pasta and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- Taste and adjust. Add more dressing, salt, pepper, or parmesan to taste.
- Chill and serve. For the best flavor, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors meld, or serve right away.
Notes
Make it gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta—chickpea or lentil pasta adds extra protein, too.
Dairy-free option: Use a dairy-free Caesar dressing and skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.
Meal prep tip: Store the dressing separately if making ahead to keep the lettuce crisp. Toss just before serving.
Protein options: Grilled shrimp, salmon, or even crispy tofu work well instead of chicken.
Want more crunch? Add garlic breadcrumbs or croutons just before serving!
Nutrition
Calories: 406kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 59mg | Sodium: 279mg | Potassium: 571mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 5174IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 144mg | Iron: 3mg
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Please leave a comment and star rating on this post and tag @HealthfulBlondie on Instagram & hashtag it #healthfulblondie!
