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Creamy Caesar Chicken Pasta Salad No Mayo Recipe Easy Homemade Lunch

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A quick and easy creamy Caesar chicken pasta salad made without mayo, using Greek yogurt and Parmesan for a tangy, light, and satisfying lunch option.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken recommended)
  • 1/2 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons chopped capers (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside in a large bowl.
  2. Shred or chop about 2 cups of cooked chicken. Add the chicken to the pasta bowl.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (if using). Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta and chicken. Add 2 tablespoons chopped capers (if using), 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, and 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce (optional). Gently toss everything together until well coated.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Notes

Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for best flavor. Avoid overdressing to prevent soggy pasta. Chill salad for at least 20 minutes before serving for best taste. Add lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp. Anchovy paste is optional but recommended for authentic Caesar flavor. For gluten-free, substitute gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, use cashew-based yogurt and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caesar chicken pasta salad, no mayo pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, Greek yogurt dressing, easy lunch recipe, rotisserie chicken salad

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