High Protein Kale Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
High Protein Kale Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines tender chicken, fusilli, chopped kale, chickpeas, parmesan, and a creamy Greek yogurt Caesar dressing. It is a dependable meal prep lunch or simple dinner that keeps well and feels satisfying without needing many sides.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large skillet or grill pan
- Baking sheet or skillet for chickpeas
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or blender
- Chef's Knife
Ingredients
- 3 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking chicken
- 1 lb fusilli pasta
- 4 cups finely chopped kale
- 8 oz parmesan cheese wedge shaved or grated
- 1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp olive oil for chickpeas
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- chili flakes optional sprinkle
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1.5 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 3 cloves garlic small cloves
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp anchovy paste
- 1 lemon juiced
Instructions
- Cook the fusilli in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and rinse briefly with cool water.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a small pinch of smoked paprika if you want extra warmth.
- Cook the chicken in a skillet or grill pan until golden and the thickest part reaches 165°F, then rest and slice.
- Pat the chickpeas dry, toss with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and chili flakes, then sauté or roast until lightly crisp.
- Whisk together Greek yogurt, garlic, Dijon, Worcestershire sauce, anchovy paste, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the pasta, finely chopped kale, sliced chicken, crisped chickpeas, and parmesan to a large mixing bowl.
- Toss with the dressing until evenly coated, then serve right away or chill briefly before portioning for meal prep.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep a little dressing separate if you are meal prepping.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended because the Greek yogurt dressing can separate and the pasta can soften after thawing.
Reheating: This recipe is best served chilled or at room temperature. Do not microwave the dressed salad.
Expert Tips: Cool the pasta before tossing so the dressing stays creamy, and chop kale finely so it blends into every bite.
Meal Prep: Portion the salad into containers and add reserved dressing or lemon juice right before eating to refresh the texture.
Variations: Try rotisserie chicken, whole wheat pasta, chickpea pasta, chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, or roasted broccoli.