Classic Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken – A Flavorful Twist on a Timeless Favorite

Looking for a hearty yet refreshing meal? This Caesar salad with grilled chicken blends crisp romaine, creamy Caesar dressing, and tender, smoky chicken for a flavorful twist on the classic. Whether you need a quick lunch, light dinner, or impressive starter, this salad delivers bold textures and mouth-watering taste with every bite.

Key Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Number of Servings: 4
• Serving Size: 1 salad bowl

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 36 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fat: 28 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg
• Sodium: 800 mg

Ingredients List

For the Salad:

• 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (around 500 g / 1 lb)
• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, shaved
• 1 cup (60 g) croutons
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Grilled Chicken Marinade:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Caesar Dressing:

• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup (120 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Detailed Method of Preparation

1. Prepare the Grilled Chicken

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly and let them marinate for at least 10 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
2. Grill the Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.

2. Make the Caesar Dressing

1. Emulsify the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
2. Add Oil Slowly: While whisking, gradually drizzle in olive oil to create a creamy emulsion.
3. Flavor the Dressing: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, grated Parmesan, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Assemble the Salad

1. Chop the Romaine: Wash and dry the romaine lettuce, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the lettuce with half of the Caesar dressing. Add croutons and Parmesan shavings.
3. Add Grilled Chicken: Place the sliced grilled chicken on top of the salad. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the top.
4. Finish with Pepper: Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Tips for Culinary Success

• Juicy Chicken Tip: If you don’t have a grill, use a stovetop grill pan or oven broil the chicken for similar results.
• Crouton Hack: Make homemade croutons by tossing cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10-12 minutes until golden.
• Light Dressing Option: Swap the egg yolk with Greek yogurt for a lighter version of the Caesar dressing.
• Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the dressing a day in advance to save time and enhance the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use store-bought dressing instead of making my own?
Absolutely! While homemade dressing adds a rich flavor, store-bought Caesar dressing is a convenient and tasty alternative.

2. How can I make this salad gluten-free?
Use gluten-free bread or croutons and ensure all other ingredients, including Worcestershire sauce, are labeled gluten-free.

3. What’s a good substitute for chicken in this recipe?
Try grilled shrimp, salmon, or tofu for a delicious alternative that suits various dietary preferences.

There’s nothing quite like the combination of smoky grilled chicken, crunchy croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing in this delicious salad. Perfect for any occasion, this Caesar salad with grilled chicken is both light and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, it’s sure to become a favorite. Give it a try and elevate your salad game today!