Kale Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
A wholesome twist on traditional Caesar salad, this Kale Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines pasta, tender chicken, and vibrant kale for a delightful meal that can be enjoyed warm or chilled.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 3 boneless chicken breasts 3 boneless chicken breasts Butterflied and pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
- 1 lb 1 lb fusilli pasta Cooked until al dente
- 4 cups 4 cups kale, finely chopped Washed and chopped in advance
- 1 can 1 can chickpeas Drained and rinsed
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 sprinkle Sprinkle of chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 1/2 cup 1 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt Can substitute with low-fat or plant-based yogurt
- 8 oz 8 oz parmesan cheese wedge Can substitute with nutritional yeast for a vegan option
- 3 small cloves 3 small cloves of garlic
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp 2 tsp anchovy paste Omit for a vegan dressing
- 1 lemon 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Drain and rinse chickpeas, pat dry, and spread on a parchment-lined sheet. Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and chili flakes. Roast for 20-30 minutes until crisp, shaking the pan halfway through.
- Butterfly chicken breasts, pound to 1/2-inch thickness, season with salt and pepper, and cook in a skillet with 1 tbsp olive oil for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through. Rest and then dice.
- Cook fusilli in salted water until al dente, drain, and rinse under cold water.
- Finely chop kale and add to a large bowl with pasta and diced chicken.
- For the dressing, pulse parmesan in a food processor until grated, then add Greek yogurt, garlic, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth; season with salt and pepper.
- Toss the pasta, chicken, kale, and roasted chickpeas with the dressing. Serve immediately or chill briefly.
Notes
Add cherry tomatoes or avocado slices for extra flavor. Reheat leftovers with a splash of lemon juice or olive oil.