Chicken Caesar Salad
A quick and flavorful Chicken Caesar Salad combining tender grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a tangy creamy Caesar dressing. Perfect for a balanced, refreshing meal ready in under 20 minutes.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (omit croutons or use gluten-free croutons)
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Greens
- 1 head romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh)
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Extras
- 1 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling and croutons)
- Fresh lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a splash of olive oil. Grill over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest before slicing thinly to retain juices.
- Crisp the Romaine: While chicken cooks, wash and dry romaine lettuce thoroughly. Tear or chop into bite-sized pieces for fresh crunch.
- Make or Prep the Dressing: If using store-bought dressing, shake well. For homemade, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, anchovy paste, grated Parmesan, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until creamy and well combined.
- Prepare Croutons: Cube day-old bread and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Toast in skillet or oven until golden and crispy.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine romaine lettuce, sliced chicken, croutons, and Parmesan cheese. Drizzle Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate the salad with extra grated Parmesan and a squeeze of fresh lemon if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for consistent grilling.
- Dry lettuce completely to avoid soggy salad.
- Toast croutons just before serving to maintain crunch.
- Make your own dressing for enhanced freshness and flavor.
- Let chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: chicken caesar salad, grilled chicken salad, quick caesar salad, healthy chicken salad, easy caesar recipe