High Protein

High Protein Caesar Pasta Salad

Name: High Protein Caesar Pasta Salad
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 2-4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless chicken thighs; 1 lemon + 1 large lemon (for dressing); 1 tbsp oil; 1 tbsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp oregano; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp chili flakes; 3 tbsp avocado mayo; 3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1½ tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1–2 garlic cloves; 3 anchovy filets (optional); ¼ cup shredded parmesan; 2 heads romaine lettuce (or baby kale); High-protein pasta (Kaizen, Banza, or Barilla Protein+); Salt and pepper

Smoky roasted chicken thighs over romaine and high-protein pasta, all tossed in a lighter homemade Caesar with anchovy, parmesan, and a hit of bright lemon.

Time: 40 minutes

Temp: 425°F (chicken)

Ingredients

1 lb boneless chicken thighs
1 lemon + 1 large lemon (for dressing)
1 tbsp oil
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp chili flakes
3 tbsp avocado mayo
3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1½ tbsp apple cider vinegar
1–2 garlic cloves
3 anchovy filets (optional)
¼ cup shredded parmesan
2 heads romaine lettuce (or baby kale)
High-protein pasta (Kaizen, Banza, or Barilla Protein+)
Salt and pepper

Roasted Chicken

Add 1 lb chicken thighs to a bowl. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon, drizzle with 1 tbsp oil, and season with salt, pepper, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp chili flakes. Mix well. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast at 425°F for 35–37 minutes. Remove from oven and finely dice.

Lighter Caesar Dressing

Whisk together: 3 tbsp avocado mayo, 3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1½ tbsp apple cider vinegar, juice of 1 large lemon, 1–2 garlic cloves (finely minced), 3 anchovy filets (finely diced — optional but highly recommended), a couple pinches of salt, lots of fresh cracked pepper, and ¼ cup shredded parmesan. Mix well, taste and adjust. Thin with extra lemon juice or a splash of water to stretch the dressing further.

Prep the Rest

Finely chop 2 heads of romaine lettuce — or substitute baby kale for extra nutrients. Cook your pasta according to package directions. Use a high-protein low-carb pasta like Kaizen, Banza, or Barilla Protein+ for the macro boost, or any pasta you prefer. Drain and let cool slightly.

Assemble & Serve

Layer in a large bowl or jar: diced roasted chicken at the base, then the chopped romaine, then the cooked pasta on top. For a fun presentation, pack into a jar and flip onto a serving plate. Spoon the Caesar dressing generously over everything, finish with extra finely shredded parmesan and chili flakes to taste.