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Gluten-Free Chicken Caesar Salad - Classic Flavor Made Simple

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  • Romaine lettuce (2 large hearts), chopped
  • Cooked chicken (2 cups), sliced or shredded; grilled or pan-seared
  • Parmesan cheese (1/3 cup), freshly grated or shaved
  • Gluten-free croutons (1 to 1 1/2 cups), store-bought or homemade from GF bread
  • Lemon (1), for juice and zest
  • Olive oil (extra-virgin), for dressing and cooking
  • Garlic (1–2 cloves), minced
  • Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon)
  • Anchovy fillets or paste (2 fillets or 1/2 teaspoon paste), optional but classic
  • Mayonnaise (1/3 cup) or Greek yogurt for a lighter option
  • Worcestershire sauce (1/2 teaspoon), gluten-free certified
  • Black pepper (freshly ground), to taste
  • Salt, to taste
  • Optional add-ins: cherry tomatoes, avocado, roasted chickpeas, crispy bacon (GF), capers

Instructions

  • Prep the chicken. If you’re starting with raw chicken breasts, pat them dry and season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Grill or pan-sear over medium heat until cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C), about 5–7 minutes per side. Rest 5 minutes, then slice.
  • Make gluten-free croutons. Cut gluten-free bread into cubes. Toss with olive oil, salt, and a pinch of garlic powder. Toast on a sheet pan at 375°F (190°C) for 8–12 minutes, stirring once, until golden and crisp. Cool completely for best crunch.
  • Whisk the dressing. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), minced garlic, Dijon, anchovy (if using), 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and Worcestershire. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Add 2 tablespoons Parmesan and season with salt and plenty of black pepper. Adjust lemon and salt to taste.
  • Prep the greens. Chop romaine into bite-size pieces. Rinse and spin dry thoroughly. Dry lettuce is key to a dressing that clings well.
  • Toss gently. In a large bowl, add romaine and a few spoonfuls of dressing. Toss lightly to coat. Add chicken and more dressing as needed. You want everything coated but not soggy.
  • Add the toppings. Sprinkle with Parmesan, add gluten-free croutons, and finish with a few grinds of black pepper. For extra brightness, add a little lemon zest over the top.
  • Taste and adjust. If it needs more tang, squeeze a bit more lemon. If it needs richness, add a touch more Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve right away.