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Chicken Caesar Salad

Maria G. Brooks
Chicken Caesar Salad is a fresh, flavorful dish that brings together tender grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a rich, creamy Caesar dressing.
With its perfect balance of textures and savory taste, it makes for a satisfying meal whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a hearty dinner.
Simple to prepare yet packed with flavor, this classic salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course, Salad
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Grill or Skillet (for cooking chicken)
  • 1 Salad Spinner (or paper towels for drying lettuce)
  • 1 Large Salad Bowl (for assembling the salad)
  • 1 Small Whisk or Fork (for mixing the dressing)
  • 1 Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
  • 1 Knife & Cutting Board (for slicing chicken and chopping lettuce)

Ingredients
  

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for grilling
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional, for chicken marinating
  • 1 large head of romaine lettuce about 6 cups, chopped
  • 1/2 cup croutons store-bought or homemade
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese or shaved

For the Caesar Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon anchovy paste or use anchovy fillets
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  • Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season them with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  • If you’d like a slightly tangy flavor, marinate the chicken with a tablespoon of lemon juice for 10 minutes.
  • Grill or pan-sear the chicken over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Romaine Lettuce

  • Wash the romaine lettuce thoroughly and dry it using a salad spinner or paper towels.
    Ensure it’s dry to keep it crisp.
  • Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make the Caesar Dressing

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
  • Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to whisk, creating a creamy dressing.
  • Taste the dressing and adjust with salt, pepper, or additional lemon juice if desired.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

  • In a large bowl, toss the romaine lettuce with the Caesar dressing, ensuring each leaf is coated but not drenched.
  • Add the sliced chicken on top of the salad.
  • Sprinkle croutons and freshly grated Parmesan over the salad.
  • Gently toss again to combine.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

  • Serve the salad immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra flavor.

Notes

  • For a healthier version, use Greek yogurt or avocado in place of mayonnaise for the dressing.
  • If you prefer, swap out the chicken for grilled shrimp, tofu, or roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
  • To make the salad ahead of time, store the dressing and croutons separately, and toss everything together just before serving to avoid sogginess.
  • You can also add extra toppings like bacon bits, avocado, or cherry tomatoes for a more personalized twist.
Keyword Chicken Caesar Salad