Is this Caesar pasta salad really gluten-free?

Absolutely! As long as you use certified gluten-free pasta, all the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always double-check labels on sauces and additives to be safe.

Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing instead of homemade?

You can! However, the quick homemade dressing in this recipe has way more brightness and flavor, plus you control the ingredients—better for dietary restrictions and all-around taste.

What’s the best gluten-free pasta to use?

Look for sturdy shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli from your favorite gluten-free brand. These hold up best in salads and don’t fall apart when tossed.

Can I prep this salad in advance?

Absolutely—just wait to add the lettuce and dressing until right before serving to keep everything crisp. The rest can be prepped up to a day ahead.

Gluten-Free Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe

Description

This Gluten-Free Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad features tender grilled chicken, crispy bacon, fresh romaine, ripe cherry tomatoes, and gluten-free pasta tossed in a creamy, tangy Caesar dressing. A balanced, hearty, and satisfying main-course salad that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep—enjoy it warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Dressing

1/2 cup mayo (homemade or store-bought)
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 teaspoon lemon juice, divided
1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste
1 clove garlic, crushed
Pinch of fine sea salt
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper

For the Salad

4 pieces of bacon, cooked
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 head romaine lettuce, cleaned and roughly chopped
1 (16-ounce) package gluten-free pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Make the Dressing: In a high-speed blender, combine mayo, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, anchovy paste, crushed garlic, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Pulse once or twice, just until the ingredients are fully blended. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.
Grill the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Grill on a hot grill or grill pan for 8–10 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and no pink remains inside. Allow the chicken to rest, then cut into bite-sized cubes and set aside.
Cook the Pasta: Cook gluten-free pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, rinse the pasta with cool water to stop cooking and drain well. Place the cooked pasta into a large bowl.
Prepare the Bacon: While the pasta and chicken are cooking, cook the bacon until crispy. Once cooled, chop or crumble the bacon into small pieces.
Assemble the Salad: To the large bowl with pasta, add the cooked and chopped bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped romaine lettuce, and cubed chicken. Pour the prepared Caesar dressing over the ingredients. Mix gently to combine everything evenly.
Season and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired. Serve the Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad warm or at room temperature.

Notes

For a creamier salad, make extra dressing to add as desired.
Rotisserie chicken can be used instead of grilled chicken for convenience.
The salad can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Adjust lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
For added flavor, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese (verify gluten-free) on top.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Calories: Approx. 480
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 540mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 70mg