Description
A high-protein, quick meal prep favorite. This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad combines tender chicken, a creamy homemade dressing, and crisp Romaine.
Ingredients
For the dressing:
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
3/4 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon anchovy paste
1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the pasta salad:
8 oz. uncooked pasta (such as rotini or penne)
2 hearts of Romaine, chopped
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
1 cup croutons (optional)
Shaved Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
1. Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire, mayonnaise, minced garlic and anchovy paste until well combined. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and pepper.
2. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large serving bowl.
3. Combine for meal prep: Add the shredded chicken and the prepared dressing to the warm pasta. Toss to combine. Let cool completely.
4. Portion and store: Divide the pasta/chicken mixture among 10 meal prep containers. Store the chopped Romaine and croutons in separate containers or zip-top bags.
5. Serve: When ready to eat, add the Romaine and croutons to the pasta base, toss, and garnish with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Storage: The pasta/chicken/dressing base will keep for 4 days in the refrigerator. The dried, chopped Romaine will keep for 4-5 days. Croutons should be stored at room temperature.
Lighter Dressing: Substitute half of the mayonnaise (3/8 cup) with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, high-protein dressing.
Pasta: For better meal prep, use a high-protein pasta like chickpea or lentil pasta.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Lunch, Main Course, Meal Prep
- Method: Meal Prep
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 277
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 231mg
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 15g