Description
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad reimagines a classic dish with romaine, grilled halal chicken, and Caesar dressing, blended with gluten-free pasta for a satisfying mix of textures. It’s a no-cook, flavorful recipe that’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts (6 oz each), skinless halal
8 oz gluten-free pasta (brown rice or quinoa-based)
6 cups romaine lettuce (fresh, crisp outer leaves)
1/2 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
20 stalks asparagus, optional (add as a meat-free protein)
Olive oil for cooking
Paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper (0.5 tsp salt total)
Mayonnaise (1/4 cup)
Lemon juice (3 tbsp)
Egg yolk
Dijon mustard (1 tsp)
Worcestershire sauce (1 tsp)
Roasted garlic, mashed
Nutritional yeast
Instructions
Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels
Season both sides with paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high until shimmering
Sear chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side
Transfer skillet to oven and grill at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, until chicken is cooked through
Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente, as per package instructions
Chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces
If using, grill asparagus until slightly charred and tender
Prepare dressing by blending mayonnaise, lemon juice, egg yolk, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, roasted garlic, and nutritional yeast until smooth
Mix cooked pasta, romaine, and dressing thoroughly
Add cooked chicken and asparagus (if used) to the salad
Toss everything gently to coat and serve
Notes
For a quick prep, use store-bought Caesar dressing
Asparagus is optional and can be omitted for a lighter salad
Chill the salad for 15-20 minutes before serving for a refreshing result
For an extra touch, add freshly grated halal Parmesan cheese
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Grilling, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American (Halal)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One serving (about 3 cups)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
