Name: Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 0.5 cup low-fat buttermilk; 0.25 cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 1.5 teaspoons anchovy paste; 1 large garlic clove; 0.75 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided; 0.5 teaspoon salt, divided; 0.5 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

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

4.5

(2)

2 Reviews

This scrumptious and healthy salad combines elements of Caesar salad, pasta salad and chicken salad for an easy weeknight dinner that comes together in less than 30 minutes (and most of the prep can be done ahead). Use your blender to whip together the tangy buttermilk-based dressing, which would also be great on a salmon or chickpea salad.

Pam Lolley

Updated on July 10, 2019

Prep Time:

20 mins

Additional Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

30 mins

Servings:

Yield:

9 cups

Nutrition Profile:

Heart Healthy Low-Calorie Diabetes Appropriate Egg Free Low Sodium Nut-Free Soy-Free Healthy Aging Healthy Immunity

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

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

Directions

Combine buttermilk, yogurt, oil, lemon juice, mustard, anchovy paste, garlic, 1/2 cup Parmesan and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a blender; puree on high speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Set aside.
Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking water.
Combine the pasta, chicken, tomatoes, 1/4 cup of the reserved cooking water and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a large bowl. Stir in the buttermilk dressing until thoroughly combined. Stir in additional cooking water as needed for a creamy consistency. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 days.
Just before serving, stir in lettuce; sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan.

Tips

To make ahead: Prepare through Step 3 and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

383	Calories
14g	Fat
34g	Carbs
33g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 383
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 34g	12%
Dietary Fiber 4g	16%
Total Sugars 4g
Protein 33g	66%
Total Fat 14g	17%
Saturated Fat 4g	19%
Cholesterol 72mg	24%
Vitamin A 3980IU	80%
Vitamin C 10mg	11%
Folate 72mcg	18%
Sodium 572mg	25%
Calcium 172mg	13%
Iron 3mg	14%
Magnesium 69mg	17%
Potassium 508mg	11%

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.