Zesty Classic Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe for Lunch Bliss

Crafting the ultimate classic chicken Caesar salad requires just a few simple ingredients that pack a serious punch of deliciousness.

Crisp romaine leaves create the ideal green foundation for this timeless dish.

Tender grilled chicken adds protein and depth to every refreshing bite.

Crunchy croutons provide a satisfying texture that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, tangy dressing.

Parmesan cheese sprinkled generously brings a sharp, salty note that complements the other elements perfectly.

Ancient romans would be proud of how we’ve transformed their original creation into a modern culinary masterpiece.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and make it your go-to meal for quick, elegant dining that never disappoints.

Why Chicken Caesar Salad Is Always a Win

• Swap chicken for grilled shrimp or tofu, add extra veggies, or adjust dressing to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Packed with lean protein from chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, and calcium-rich Parmesan, this dish delivers a balanced and satisfying meal that keeps you energized.
• Perfect for everything from casual family dinners to potlucks and summer gatherings, this salad appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar, crowd-favorite flavors.

Ingredients for Chicken Caesar Goodness

• Chicken Breasts: The main protein source that provides a tender and juicy base for the salad.

• Romaine Lettuce: A crisp and fresh green that creates the foundation of the classic Caesar salad.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that help enhance the chicken's natural flavors.
• Caesar Dressing: A creamy and tangy sauce that coats the lettuce with traditional Caesar salad taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp and salty cheese that adds depth and richness to the salad.
• Croutons: Crunchy bread cubes that provide a satisfying texture and extra flavor.

How to Assemble the Perfect Caesar Salad

Step 1: Season and Prepare Chicken

Generously coat chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Warm up a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat.

Lightly brush the cooking surface with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken to Perfection

Carefully place chicken on the heated grill.

Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, ensuring the meat is completely cooked through.

Check doneness by verifying the internal temperature reaches 165°F/75°C.

Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let it rest briefly to retain juices.

Step 3: Create the Salad Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and add crisp, freshly chopped romaine lettuce.

Pour Caesar dressing over the lettuce and gently toss until every leaf is beautifully coated with the creamy dressing.

Step 4: Build Your Salad Masterpiece

Slice the grilled chicken into elegant strips.

Artfully arrange the chicken atop the dressed lettuce.

Sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Scatter crunchy croutons across the top for added texture.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Present the salad immediately while the chicken is still warm.

Add an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Dive into this classic, mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures.

Caesar Salad Tips for Crisp Texture

• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to lock in moisture and prevent dryness.
• Adjust the amount of Caesar dressing to suit your taste preferences, adding gradually for perfect coating.
• Use crisp romaine lettuce and high-quality Parmesan cheese for a more authentic and flavorful salad experience.
• Maintain medium-high heat to achieve perfect grill marks and prevent chicken from burning or becoming tough.
• Swap traditional croutons with toasted nuts or seeds for a lower-carb, gluten-free alternative that adds crunch and nutrition.

Store and Reuse Caesar Salad Right

• Store leftover chicken Caesar salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping dressing and croutons separate to prevent sogginess.
• Keep chicken, lettuce, and dressing in individual sealed containers to maintain freshness and prevent wilting of salad ingredients.
• Warm chicken separately on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds, avoiding overheating to prevent dryness.
• When ready to eat, quickly reassemble the salad by combining chilled ingredients and adding fresh croutons for maximum crunch and flavor.

Pairings That Work with Caesar Salad

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complements the tangy Caesar dressing and grilled chicken, offering a refreshing and light accompaniment that cuts through the richness.
• Create Mediterranean Bread Side: Serve warm, toasted focaccia or ciabatta bread alongside the salad, providing a delicious carbohydrate element that soaks up extra dressing and adds textural contrast.
• Match Sparkling Water with Citrus: Enhance the meal's freshness by adding lemon or lime-infused sparkling water, which cleanses the palate and provides a zesty, light drink that balances the salad's creamy components.
• Select Chardonnay Alternative: For wine enthusiasts preferring a fuller-bodied option, an unoaked Chardonnay delivers subtle buttery notes that harmonize with the grilled chicken and Parmesan cheese.

Salad Add-Ins and Style Variations

• Vegetarian Caesar Salad: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, marinated in Caesar dressing for extra flavor and protein.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Swap croutons with crispy bacon bits or roasted nuts, use a low-carb Caesar dressing without added sugars.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free croutons or replace with roasted sunflower seeds, ensure Caesar dressing is certified gluten-free.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Add kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber to the salad, use grilled shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.

FAQs

• What makes a Caesar salad authentic?

A traditional Caesar salad includes romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing made with raw egg, Parmesan cheese, croutons, and sometimes anchovies. The original recipe was created by Caesar Cardini in Mexico in 1924.

• Can I make Caesar dressing without raw eggs?

Yes, you can use pasteurized eggs or substitute with mayonnaise, which provides a similar creamy texture and helps eliminate food safety concerns related to raw eggs.

• How do I ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This guarantees the chicken is safe to eat while remaining juicy and tender.

• What type of chicken works best for this salad?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they cook quickly, have a mild flavor, and provide lean protein that complements the rich Caesar dressing.

Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp romaine lettuce gets a flavor boost with homemade chicken caesar salad, elevating classic ingredients into a delightful meal. Parmesan shavings, seasoned grilled chicken, and zesty dressing create a perfect balance you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Salad Base:

• 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

Toppings and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup (118 ml) Caesar dressing
• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (30 g) croutons
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, for grilling

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Instructions

1. Enhance the chicken breasts with a generous sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper, preparing them for a flavorful grilling session.
2. Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat, lightly coating the surface with olive oil to prevent sticking and add subtle flavor.
3. Position the seasoned chicken breasts on the hot grill, cooking for 5-7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F/75°C, ensuring thorough and safe cooking.
4. Remove the chicken from the heat and allow it to rest for 3-4 minutes, which helps retain its juices and ensures maximum tenderness.
5. While the chicken rests, slice it into thin, elegant strips that will beautifully complement the crisp romaine lettuce.
6. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the freshly chopped romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, gently tossing to create an even, luxurious coating.
7. Artfully arrange the grilled chicken strips atop the dressed lettuce, creating an appetizing presentation.
8. Finish the salad by generously sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese and crisp croutons, adding texture and depth to the dish.
9. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of warm grilled chicken, crisp lettuce, and zesty dressing.

Notes

• Marinate chicken in herbs and garlic for deeper flavor infusion and more tender meat.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is perfectly cooked without drying out, preventing tough texture.
• Replace croutons with toasted nuts for a gluten-free alternative that adds extra crunch and nutrition.
• Try grilling chicken with lemon zest or using Greek yogurt instead of traditional Caesar dressing for a lighter, tangier version that reduces calories.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg