Chicken Bacon Caesar Pasta Salad

5 from 1 vote

Chicken Bacon Caesar Pasta Salad

Classic Caesar Salad coupled with pasta - what's not to love? Chicken, crispy bacon, crunchy romaine lettuce and pasta tossed in a creamy and tangy homemade caesar dressing and topped off with a scattering of garlic herb breadcrumbs. The perfect pasta salad for any occasion.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Pasta, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: Fusion

Servings: servings

Calories: 659kcal

Author: Carrie Carvalho

Equipment

Ingredients

1 Chicken Breast or 1 cup shredded chicken
6 rashers Streaky Bacon
250 grams Pasta (½ lb)
1 head Romaine Lettuce chopped
¼ cup Parmesan cheese to garnish
⅓ cup Breadcrumbs
1 tsp butter
1 tsp garlic powder divided - half each for breadcrumbs and chicken
1 tsp dried parsley
1 tbsp oil for frying the chicken

Caesar Dressing (or use ½ cup of your favourite prepared Caesar Dressing)

⅓ cup Mayonnaise about 75g/2.6oz
2 tbsp Greek Yoghurt
¼ cup Parmesan Cheese, finely grated
2 tbsp Lemon Juice
1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 Garlic Cloves
¼ tsp each salt and black pepper
1 tbsp capers

Instructions

To cook the crispy bacon, line a baking tray or cookie sheet with greaseproof or baking paper and lay out the rashers. Place in a cold oven and turn the heat to 200c/180fan/400f/gas 6 and cook the bacon for about 20-25 minutes, or until your desired crispness. Alternatively, cook in a pan on the stove if preferred. Once cooked, allow to cool then dice.
Melt the butter in a frying pan or skillet over medium heat then add the breadcrumbs and stir for 2-3 minutes until toasted and golden. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, the dried parsley and a ¼ teaspoon each of salt and pepper then transfer to a bowl to cool.
Wipe the pan clean then add the oil. Slice the chicken breast horizontally to make 2 thinner cutlets and season generously with ½ tsp garlic powder and salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the hot pan and fry for 4-5 minutes each side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside to cool before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to packet instructions in a large pot of salted water. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
To make the dressing, combine all the ingredients in a blender or food processor and blitz until smooth.
To assemble the salad, add the chopped chicken, bacon and lettuce to a large bowl with the pasta. Pour over the dressing and stir well to combine. Sprinkle over the breadcrumbs and additional grated parmesan to serve.

Nutrition