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+ servings
Linda S. Smith

Kale Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

This bright and crunchy pasta salad combines hearty chicken, flavorful kale, and a creamy yogurt-based Caesar dressing, topped with crispy roasted chickpeas for added texture.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

For the salad
  • 3 pieces boneless chicken breasts (about 1 to 1¼ lb total); butterflied and pounded even
  • 1 lb fusilli pasta (or rotini; use gluten-free pasta to make GF)
  • 4 cups kale, finely chopped (stems removed)
  • 8 oz parmesan cheese wedge (half grated for dressing, rest for shaving)
  • 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained, rinsed, and thoroughly dried
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 pinch chili flakes (optional)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
For the dressing
  • 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt (use full-fat for richer dressing)
  • 3 small cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp anchovy paste (omit for vegetarian; add extra dijon + capers)
  • 1 lemon juiced

Method
 

Prepare the Chickpeas
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat chickpeas very dry. Toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and chili flakes. Spread on parchment and roast for 20–30 minutes until crunchy, shaking the pan halfway.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Butterfly and lightly pound chicken to 1/2" thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Rest for 5 minutes, then dice.
Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook fusilli to al dente per package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
Prepare the Kale
  1. Remove kale stems and finely chop leaves. Put kale in a large bowl and massage gently with a little olive oil and pinch of salt until softened (1–2 minutes).
Make the Dressing
  1. In a food processor, pulse about half the parmesan until finely grated. Add Greek yogurt, garlic, Dijon, Worcestershire, anchovy paste, and lemon juice. Pulse until smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Combine and Serve
  1. Combine pasta, chicken, kale, and most of the roasted chickpeas in the bowl. Pour dressing over and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  2. Top with remaining parmesan shavings and extra chickpeas for crunch. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 38gFat: 18g

Notes

For best texture, keep roasted chickpeas separate if storing leftovers. Can substitute Greek yogurt with mayo for a richer taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.

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