Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Healthy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

30-Minute Healthy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe Delight

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A healthy twist on the classic Caesar salad, this pasta version features whole-wheat penne, shredded chicken, and a light yogurt-based dressing.

  • Total Time: 55 mins
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup low-fat buttermilk
  • ¼ cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 ½ teaspoons anchovy paste
  • 1 large garlic clove
  • ¾ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • ½ teaspoon salt, divided
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper, divided
  • 8 ounces whole-wheat penne
  • 3 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 5 cups chopped romaine lettuce

Instructions

  1. Blend buttermilk, yogurt, oil, lemon juice, mustard, anchovy paste, garlic, ½ cup Parmesan, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper until smooth.
  2. Cook pasta without salt. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking water.
  3. Mix pasta, chicken, tomatoes, ¼ cup cooking water, remaining salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  4. Stir in dressing until combined. Add more cooking water if needed for creaminess.
  5. Chill covered for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 days.
  6. Before serving, stir in lettuce and top with remaining Parmesan.

Notes

  • Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
  • Keep lettuce separate until serving to avoid sogginess.
  • Meal prep by storing dressing and salad ingredients separately.
  • Author: Livia Reed
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Blending, Mixing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg