Description
This easy chicken caesar pasta salad combines the creamy, savory flavors of a classic Caesar salad with tender pasta and juicy chicken to create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunches, meal prep, picnics, or easy weeknight dinners. Gluten-free and dairy-free too.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon chicken seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, for cooking
For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked gluten-free penne pasta
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- 2 slices gluten-free bread, cubed
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, for cooking croutons
- 1/4 cup dairy-free parmesan cheese, shaved, for topping
For the Caesar Dressing:
- 1/4 cup dairy-free Parmesan, grated
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 5 anchovy fillets
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Slice each chicken breast lengthwise into thinner cutlets. Season both sides with chicken seasoning and salt.
- Pan Fry Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for 3 minutes on the second side. Once cooked through, transfer to a plate and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing as this allows the juices to redistribute so the chicken stays tender and juicy rather than dry.
- Combine Dressing Ingredients: In a high-speed blender, combine grated dairy-free Parmesan, mayonnaise, gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of salt and pepper, Dijon mustard, and anchovy fillets.
- Blend Until Creamy: Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Cut Chicken: Cut the rested chicken into cubes.
- Combine Lettuce, Chicken, Pasta & Dressing: Tear the romaine leaves by hand and place them in a large bowl. Add the chicken and pasta, then pour in half of the dressing.
- Toss Until Coated: Toss everything together until well coated.
- Garnish & Serve: Cube the bread slices, toast in olive oil until golden and crisp, and scatter over the salad just before serving. Top with shaved gluten-free parmesan and extra dressing, if desired.
Notes
Chicken Breasts: I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However feel free to use bonelss skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier option.
Chicken Seasoning: I used chicken seasoning, but feel free to use whichever seasonings you like (onion powder, garlic powder, dried herbs, etc).
Pasta: I used gluten-free penne pasta to keep this recipe gluten-free. You may also use other types of gluten-free short pasta (such as fusilli, shells, rigatoni, etc.). Alternatively, if you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, go ahead and use regular short pasta instead.
Lettuce: Romaine lettuce is the lettuce that is typically used in Caesar salad for it’s vibrant crunchiness. I would not substitute it with other types of lettuce.
Gluten-Free Bread: I used gluten-free bread to make the croutons to keep this recipe gluten-free. However, if you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, go ahead and use regular bread instead.
Olive Oil: I recommend using extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor for making the croutons. However, if you don’t have olive oil, vegetable oil will work as well.
Parmesan: I used dairy-free parmesan cheese to keep this recipe dairy-free. If you are not lactose-intolerant, feel free to use regular parmesan instead.
Mayonnaise: I used mayonnaise, but you can also use dairy-free sour cream if you prefer.
Worcestershire Sauce: I used gluten-free worcestershire sauce to keep this recipe gluten-free. However, if you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, feel free to use regular worcestershire sauce instead.
Dijon Mustard: I used Dijon mustard, but you also use yellow mustard if that’s what you have.
Anchovy Fillets: Most Caesar salad dressings use anchovies for adding umami, but if you are allergic to anchovies, you can use 1 teaspoon of capers to mimic the salty depth.
Garlic: A touch of raw garlic adds a delicious flavor to the dressing, so definitely don’t skip it.
Lemon Juice: For the best flavor, make sure to use freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Salads
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American



