Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad (Lightened Up!) (2024)

My lightened-up version of Chicken Pasta Caesar Salad is so easy to make and absolutely addictive. Layered with romaine lettuce, bow-tie pasta, and shredded chicken, I swap in canned chickpeas (hello fiber!) for traditional croutons and use protein-packed Greek yogurt as the base for the dressing (no mayo needed). It’s fresh, light, and so deliciou

If Caesar salad and pasta salad had a baby, it would be this delightful Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad!As always, I love looking for easy and fun ways to increase the protein and fiber of a recipe while lightening things up, and so that’s exactly what I did.

Instead of traditional croutons, I sprinkle in canned chickpeas! I also trade the mayo for Greek yogurt in my go-to Caesar salad dressing. For an additional boost of protein, and to elevate this salad to a main meal – I add plenty of shredded chicken as well.

If you have the time, I suggest making my slow cooker shredded chicken breast. Otherwise, rotisserie chicken is perfect for convenience.

What ingredients are needed

This lightened-up chicken Caesar pasta salad uses simple, healthy, everyday ingredients you may already have on hand.

• Pasta: I like short noodles like farfalle (bowtie) or rotini for this recipe. If preferred, you can use gluten-free pasta (like brown rice pasta) or sub in a lentil or chickpea pasta for even more protein and fiber.
• Chicken: Any type of cooked chicken breast will do the job! Enjoy it chopped or shredded.
• Romaine: Classic in Caesar salad; this provides a super fresh and crunchy texture.
• Cherry tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes for sweet, juicy bursts of flavor and great color.
• Garbanzo beans: Adds a boost of plant-based protein and fiber.
• Parmesan cheese: An essential ingredient for any Caesar recipe to add a delicious rich, nutty taste.
• Salt & pepper: Brings out all of the incredible flavors!
• Dressing: The homemade Caesar dressing is a lighter version of the classic! Made in just 5 minutes with lemon, Dijon, garlic, anchovies, and Parmesan cheese, it gets an extra protein boost from Greek yogurt (no added oil or mayo required!).

How to make this salad

This recipe starts with making the Caesar salad dressing – super simple!

Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss until everything is well combined and coated with the dressing.

Top with a bit of extra Parmesan cheese and black pepper before serving. Enjoy!

See Also

Meatloaf Recipe (A Hearty Classic with a Modern Twist)Best Classic Meatloaf with SausageClassic Meatloaf RecipeHairy Bikers Meatloaf Recipe - Share Recipes

Helpful tips

• Cheese: Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
• Gluten-free pasta salad: Sub regular pasta with brown rice or gluten-free pasta, as desired.
• Vegetarian option:If you want to make this salad vegetarian-friendly, omit the anchovies in the dressing. Mix in 1-2 teaspoons of brine from a jar of capers to add back in the briny flavor. You can also omit the chicken and add some crispy baked tofu.
• Make ahead: To get a head start on this recipe, prepare the dressing, boil the pasta and prep the chicken up to a day before assembling the salad. Store everything separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

Ways to customize

• Roasted chickpeas: For extra crispy crunch, use my roasted chickpeas recipe in place of the regular garbanzo beans in the recipe.
• More vegetables: You can add even more veggie goodness! Shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, or sliced green onions would pair deliciously.
• Protein: Trade the chicken forsalmon,steakorshrimp.

How to store leftovers

This chicken Caesar pasta salad is best served immediately after combining the dressing with the other ingredients to prevent the lettuce from wilting.

Store the leftover salad in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. Any longer than that and the lettuce will start to become soggy.

WATCH MY CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD RECIPE VIDEO HERE

More healthy pasta salad recipes

• Italian Pasta Salad
• Healthy Greek Pasta Salad
• Tuna Pasta Salad
• Healthy Macaroni Salad

Thanks so much for reading! If you make this recipe, I would love you to give it a ★ rating below. Follow me onYouTube,Instagram, andFacebookfor more healthy food inspiration.Cheers!