Imagine a mouthwatering pasta salad that's not just delicious, but also completely gluten-free and packed with protein! This Gluten-Free Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad is about to become your new summer obsession, transforming a classic Caesar into a light, refreshing meal that's perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Whether you're gluten-sensitive, health-conscious, or simply looking for a quick and tasty recipe, this dish promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied without the guilt.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz gluten-free pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Croutons for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the gluten-free pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cooked chicken. If you haven't already shredded the chicken, use two forks to pull apart the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This will also help prevent the pasta from becoming sticky.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled gluten-free pasta, shredded chicken, Caesar dressing, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add the chopped romaine lettuce to the bowl and gently fold it into the pasta mixture. Be careful not to over-mix, as you want to keep the lettuce crisp.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed based on your preference.
- If desired, top the salad with croutons for added crunch. You can either make your own gluten-free croutons or use store-bought ones.
- Serve the Gluten Free Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad immediately, or refrigerate it for up to an hour to let the flavors meld. Enjoy your delicious and refreshing salad!
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook gluten-free pasta al dente and rinse with cold water immediately to prevent it from becoming mushy or sticky.
- Chicken Choice: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for extra flavor and convenience.
- Dressing Hack: For a lighter version, mix your Caesar dressing with a bit of Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess.
- Crouton Alternatives: If you're avoiding gluten, try topping with toasted nuts or seeds for that perfect crunch.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad tastes even better after chilling for an hour, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Storage Tip: Keep the lettuce and croutons separate until serving to maintain maximum freshness and prevent sogginess.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 27g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 58mg
