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A bowl of chicken caesar pasta salad

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)


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  • Author: Felicia Lim
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free

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

Units Scale

For the Chicken:

For the Salad:

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

  1. Season Chicken: Slice each chicken breast lengthwise into thinner cutlets. Season both sides with chicken seasoning and salt.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Blend Until Creamy: Blend until smooth and creamy.
  5. Cut Chicken: Cut the rested chicken into cubes.
  6. 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.
  7. Toss Until Coated: Toss everything together until well coated.
  8. 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