Classic Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

Craving something fresh, crunchy, and satisfying? This Classic Chicken Caesar Salad is the perfect choice! It’s a delightful combination of tender grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, and a creamy Caesar dressing that brings everything together beautifully. This salad is not just a side dish; it can easily be a complete meal.

Imagine the savory taste of marinated chicken, perfectly grilled to juicy perfection, paired with crunchy romaine leaves and a rich, tangy dressing. Each bite is a balance of textures and flavors that will keep you coming back for more.

This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights or when you want something light yet filling. It’s quick to prepare and can be customized with your favorite toppings, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection.

Ingredients That Make a Difference

The Chicken Caesar Salad shines with its simple yet impactful ingredients.

Starting with the star of the dish, the grilled chicken breast, which is marinated and cooked to perfection, providing a juicy and tender base.

Crisp romaine lettuce serves as the foundation, offering a refreshing crunch that balances the rich dressing.

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and crunchy croutons add an extra layer of texture and flavor, creating a harmonious blend that delights the palate.

Lastly, a squeeze of lemon can brighten the entire dish, adding zest and enhancing the overall taste experience.

The Art of Grilling Chicken

Grilling chicken for this salad is not just about cooking; it’s about infusing flavor.

Before grilling, seasoning the chicken breast with olive oil, salt, and pepper is essential for enhancing its natural taste.

It’s important to preheat the grill adequately to achieve those perfect grill marks and lock in moisture.

Cooking time is crucial; aim for around 6-7 minutes per side to achieve that ideal internal temperature, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and tender.

Preparing the Perfect Salad Base

The salad’s base is just as significant as its toppings.

Chopping the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces allows for easy mixing and enjoyment.

Tossing the lettuce with creamy Caesar dressing before adding the chicken and toppings ensures every leaf is coated in flavor.

This method guarantees a delightful taste in every bite, making the salad a cohesive and satisfying dish.

Serving Suggestions for Presentation

Presentation can elevate this dish from simple to spectacular.

Using a large bowl allows the vibrant colors of the salad to shine, inviting diners to dig in.

Sprinkling grated Parmesan and croutons on top creates a beautiful finish and adds visual appeal.

A lemon wedge on the side not only enhances the presentation but also offers a fresh option for those wanting extra zing.

Nutrition and Health Benefits

This Chicken Caesar Salad is not only delicious but also provides a balanced meal option.

With approximately 450 calories per serving, it supplies a good amount of protein, thanks to the grilled chicken, which is essential for muscle maintenance and growth.

The addition of healthy fats from the dressing and cheese contributes to satiety, making it a great choice for those looking to maintain energy levels throughout the day.

Customizing Your Salad Experience

Customization is a fantastic aspect of this salad.

While the classic recipe is delightful, adding ingredients like cherry tomatoes, avocado, or even bacon can provide new flavor dimensions.

For a lighter version, consider using a yogurt-based dressing or reducing the cheese amount without compromising on taste.

This salad can easily adapt to various dietary preferences, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.

The Perfect Chicken Caesar Salad

This Chicken Caesar Salad features grilled chicken breast sliced over a bed of crisp romaine lettuce, tossed with creamy Caesar dressing, and topped with crunchy croutons and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It’s a deliciously satisfying dish that packs a punch of flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (or from scratch below)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup croutons
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
2. Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
3. Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce and Caesar dressing. Toss until the lettuce is evenly coated.
4. Assemble: Top the dressed lettuce with sliced grilled chicken, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Serve: Divide the salad onto plates, and serve with lemon wedges on the side if desired.

Classic Caesar Dressing (No Blender Needed)

🧄 Ingredients:

• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 anchovy fillets (or 1 tsp anchovy paste)
• 1 egg yolk (or 1 tbsp mayo for a safer alternative)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste

🥣 Instructions:

• Chill for 10–15 minutes before tossing with chopped romaine, grilled chicken, croutons, and more Parmesan.
• Mash the garlic and anchovies into a paste using the side of a knife or a mortar and pestle.
• In a bowl, whisk together the yolk, mustard, Worcestershire, and lemon juice.
• Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking constantly to emulsify.
• Stir in Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 2 servings
• Calories: 450kcal
• Fat: 25g
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 15g