Chicken Cesar Pasta Salad

Easy Chicken Cesar Past Salad

This delicious High Protein Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is creamy, savory and crunchy. It’s a 10-minute recipe with minimal wash-up. So easy!

This Caesar salad is great for on-the-go lunches and will help you hit your protein goals. The lean chicken, chickpeas, chickpea pasta, and Greek yogurt in the dressing all contain protein. Plus, this high protein pasta salad will knock out your Caesar-flavor cravings!

If you’re looking for more high protein recipes, check out these high protein overnight oats.

Recipe

Serves: 1

Protein: 30g

Prep Time: 10 minutes (using pre-cooked ingredients)

Tip – double or triple the recipe and eat it throughout the week!

Ingredients

• ¾ cup cooked whole grain or chickpea pasta (cooled)

• ½ cup cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded

• ⅓ cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1 small handful chopped romaine or kale

• 1–2 TBS Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 TBS shaved or grated parmesan

• Optional: A few croutons (pack separately if taking to-go)

A quick homemade Caesar yogurt dressing

• 1 TBS plain Greek yogurt

• 1 tsp olive oil

• ½ tsp lemon juice

• ¼ tsp Dijon mustard

• Pinch of grated garlic

• 1 tsp grated parmesan

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Optional add-in: ½ tsp capers and 1 anchovy finely chopped

Instructions 

1. In a bowl or container, combine pasta, chicken, chickpeas, greens, and parmesan.

2. Drizzle with Caesar dressing and toss to coat evenly.

3. Top with croutons just before serving for crunch.

If you’re making the homemade dressing – mix everything together in a small bowl with a whisk.

Meal prep tip: Make 2-3 servings at once and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Add dressing just before eating to keep it fresh!

Why You’ll Love High Protein Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

• Protein-packed: With lean chicken, chickpeas, and protein-rich pasta, this salad keeps you full and energized for hours. Plus, if you make the homemade dressing, you’ll get extra protein from the Greek yogurt.

• All the classic Caesar flavors: Creamy, tangy dressing, crisp greens, and savory parmesan—plus the pasta twist you didn’t know you needed.

• Meal prep friendly:  It holds up beautifully in the fridge. Great for weekdays, desk lunches, or post-pilates fuel!

• Balanced and satisfying: You get carbs, fiber, protein, and healthy fats. It’s basically a full meal in a bowl.

• Customizable for any diet: Use chickpea or whole grain pasta, go gluten-free, or swap in plant-based chicken.

Ingredients

• Cooked pasta: Use whole grain or chickpea pasta for a boost of fiber and protein. Let it cool completely before mixing into the salad.

• Chicken breast: Grilled, roasted, or even rotisserie chicken works great here.

• Chickpeas: For extra plant-based protein and a bit of creaminess. Rinse and drain canned chickpeas first.

• Greens: Romaine gives that classic Caesar crunch, but kale or a mix of sturdy greens also hold up well, especially for meal prep.

• Parmesan cheese: Shaved or finely grated parmesan both work. It’s what makes a Caesar salad… a Caesar salad!

• Caesar dressing: Go with your favorite store-bought or whip up our homemade version. It ties everything together.

• Croutons (optional): Add them just before serving to keep them crispy, especially if you're packing this for lunch.

Substitutions and Variations

• Vegetarian swap: Replace the chicken with hard-boiled eggs, marinated tofu, or grilled halloumi. You’ll still get plenty of protein!

• Vegan version: Skip the chicken and parmesan, and use crispy chickpeas or grilled tempeh for protein. Choose a dairy-free Caesar dressing (store-bought or made with cashews or tahini).

• Gluten-free friendly: Use gluten-free pasta (like chickpea, brown rice, or quinoa-based options) and make sure your croutons and dressing are gluten-free too. It’s totally bloat-free.

• Add-ons for extra flavor: Toss in sliced avocado for creaminess, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers. Want more crunch? Try adding pumpkin seeds or hemp hearts on top!

Tips and Tricks

• Cool the pasta first: Warm pasta can wilt your greens and make everything soggy.

• Dress it just before serving: If you’re meal prepping, pack the dressing separately to keep the greens fresh and crisp. Mix it all together when you’re ready to eat.

• Double the chickpeas: Roasted or seasoned chickpeas add more plant protein and a crunchy topping!

• Boost the greens: Want more veggies? Toss in shredded carrots, cherry tomatoes, or thinly sliced red cabbage.

• Use what you have: Leftover grilled chicken, pasta from last night, even bagged salad mix—this recipe is super forgiving and made for using what’s on hand.

5 Common Mistakes When Making This Recipe

1. Tossing ingredients while the pasta is still warm: Hot pasta can wilt the greens, melt the cheese, and turn your salad into a soggy mess. Always cool the pasta first.

2. Overdressing the salad: Yikes! It’s tempting to pour it all in at once, but too much dressing can make the salad heavy and drown out the other flavors.

3. Skipping the seasoning: Even with dressing, a pinch of salt and black pepper can make a big difference, especially if you're using plain chicken or chickpeas.

4. Not drying the chickpeas: If your chickpeas are too wet, they can water down the salad. Give them a good pat with a paper towel before using them.

5. Adding croutons too early: Croutons lose their crunch if they sit in the salad too long. Keep them separate until just before serving for that perfect crunch factor.

   
   

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! It’s a great meal prep option. Store the salad and dressing separately to keep everything fresh.

What’s the best pasta shape to use?

Short shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli work best because they grip onto the dressing.

How do I keep it high protein if I skip the chicken?

Try plant-based swaps like crispy chickpeas, grilled tofu, chopped boiled egg, tempeh, or even edamame. You can also add extra parmesan or use a Greek yogurt–based Caesar dressing.