Crispy Pasta Caesar Salad

Ingredients

• 250 g short pasta (rigatoni, penne or farfalle)
• 2.5 cup romaine lettuce (chopped)
• 0.5 cucumber (diced)
• 1 red onion (small, thinly sliced)
• fresh parsley (a handful, chopped)
• 100 g grated parmesan cheese (for the salad)
• 250 g chicken breast (cut into small cubes)
• 1 tbsp butter (for cooking the chicken)
• 1 tbsp paprika (for the chicken)
• 0.5 tsp oregano (for the chicken)
• salt and black pepper (to taste for the chicken)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (to season the pasta)
• 0.25 tsp salt (for the pasta)
• 0.25 tsp black pepper (for the pasta)
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder (for the pasta)
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika (for the pasta)
• 3 tbsp plain yogurt (unsweetened)
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 4.5 garlic (grated cloves)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for the dressing)
• 0.5 tsp salt (adjust to taste for the dressing)
• 0.25 tsp black pepper (for the dressing)
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese (for the dressing)

Steps

1. 1

   Cook the pasta in boiling salted water following the package instructions until al dente.

2. 2

   Drain the pasta and let it steam dry completely.

3. 3

   Preheat the oven to 200 °C (390 °F) with the fan function if available.

4. 4

   Spread the pasta evenly on a baking sheet, toss with the olive oil, and add the seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika).

5. 5

   Bake for 25-30 minutes until the pasta is golden brown and crispy.

6. 6

   Cut the chicken breast into small cubes.

7. 7

   Heat a skillet with a little olive oil and butter; add the chicken, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is well-cooked and golden.

8. 8

   Chop the romaine lettuce, parsley, cucumber, and red onion.

9. 9

   In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and parmesan until you get a smooth and creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning.

10. 10

    In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, lettuce, cucumber, onion, and parsley. Pour the creamy dressing over the mixture and toss gently.

11. 11

    Top the salad with the crispy baked pasta and a little more parmesan cheese.

12. 12

    Serve immediately to enjoy maximum crunch and creaminess.

Notes

For a richer dressing, you can add a little more mayonnaise or yogurt. It is crucial that the pasta is completely dry before putting it in the oven to ensure it gets crispy.

Nutrition per serving

• salad
• pasta
• chicken
• quick dinner
• high protein
• lunch
• crispy