Hands down a crispy chicken caesar salad with always be a comfort food for me. I know comfort foods are always ooey and gooey and warm and stuffed with cheese or sauce, but caesar salads just honestly feel like home for me. My freshman year of college I think I ate a crispy chicken caesar salad every single day.
This crispy chicken caesar salad is an easy gluten free dinner recipe. It has no nuts and can be made dairy free. I love this meal because it takes less than 30 minutes to make and dirties only a few dishes!
This recipe is an easy gluten free weeknight dinner with chicken and a nut free recipe too, just like these gluten free fried chicken tacos and this Singapore chicken curry.
why you’ll love this recipe
- I like to use pre-cooked gluten free chicken tenders to save time so I dont need to bread the chicken myself. I definitely don’t want to spend 2 hours in the kitchen just to make a salad. Save yourself the time!!
- Air Fryer Does the Work: you can cook the gluten free chicken tenders, or the homemade chicken cutlet in the air fryer! It makes for such an easy clean up. The less dishes the better!
- Meal Prep: Assemble the Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad (minus dressing) in advance for grab-and-go lunches. I love bringing this salad with me when I need a quick on the go lunch. Make sure to pack the sauce on the side for when you are ready to eat!
ingredients & substitutions
Store-bought gluten-free chicken tenders: I like to make this as easy as possible. The ideas here is a quick meal with little effort so I use gluten free chicken tenderd that I pop in the air fryer. If you want to make your own chicken cutlets or at home fried chicken that would work perfect here too!! You can also use grilled chicken or shrimp, or even chickpeas for a plant-based option.
Romaine lettuce: I prefer romaine lettuce here because it feels like a traditional caesar salad. Any leafy greens like kale or spinach are good options as well.
Gluten-free bread: I use any gluten free bread I have. I cut it into 1″ cubes to use for my own croutons. Whether I have sliced bread, rolls, baguettes, I use anything I have on hand.
Dressing: you can make your own or save time by buying a store bought gluten free Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad dressing. For a dairy free option, purchase a dairy free dressing.
directions
Step 1
Make the croutons: In a bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil and garlic seasoning. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 2
Make the dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine all dressing ingredients until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 3
Assemble the gluten free Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad: In a large bowl, toss together the romaine lettuce, chicken tenders, and croutons.
expert tips & tricks
- For a spicier dressing, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of buffalo sauce. My husband and I love buffalo chicken caesar salads!
- To make this gluten free Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad ahead of time, prepare the dressing and croutons ahead of time. Then just add the dressing when you are ready to eat.
- Craving a lighter Caesar? Sometimes I am too! I swap the regular mayonnaise in the dressing for a low-fat version or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
- When I want a dairy free salad I use a Dairy-free alternatives like cashew parmesan or nutritional yeast.
- For a vegan version I use things like vegan mayo, vegan cheese and I skip the chicken or use vegan chick’n instead.
how to serve, store and meal prep
To serve the gluten free Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad I toss everything together in a bowl and then drizzle with dressing. I like mine right out of the fridge so it is cold.
Leftover gluten free Crispy Chicken Caesar Saladcan be stord in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This is perfect for when I want to bring lunch to work. I just portion it out and then grab it on my way to work!
For a gluten free Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad meal prep, keep the dressing and croutons separate. Assemble individual salads when needed, or pre-chop lettuce and store with the dressing (without croutons) for up to 3 days. Add fresh croutons and chicken when ready for a quick, grab-and-go lunch!
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Gluten Free Crispy Chicken Caesar Salad
Ingredients
For the crutons
- 2 slices gluten-free bread torn into cubes
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tablespoons garlic and herb seasoning
For the dressing:
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon Parmesan cheese or dairy free sub
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the salad:
- 1 head romaine lettuce chopped
- 3-4 gluten-free chicken tenders cooked and chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the croutons: In a bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil and garlic seasoning. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Make the dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine all dressing ingredients until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, toss together the romaine lettuce, chicken tenders, and croutons.
- Drizzle with the dressing and toss to coat.
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