Description
Crispy homemade croutons elevate this classic chicken caesar salad to new heights of deliciousness. Parmesan-dusted greens and tender grilled chicken create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Protein:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
Dressing and Seasoning:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1.5 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Bread and Salad Base:
- 4 cups ciabatta bread cubes
- 2 heads romaine, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, grated
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 400F (200C) for croutons. Whisk olive oil, parsley, and garlic in a small bowl, seasoning with salt and pepper to create a flavorful coating for bread cubes.
- Distribute ciabatta cubes evenly on a baking sheet, ensuring space between pieces. Drizzle with prepared olive oil mixture, tossing to coat thoroughly. Bake for 13-15 minutes until golden and crisp, then set aside.
- Create a marinade by combining olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and grated garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Submerge chicken breasts in the mixture, refrigerating for 2 hours and occasionally turning to ensure even flavor absorption.
- Heat grill to medium-high temperature. Remove chicken from marinade and grill until internal temperature reaches 165F (75C), approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Allow to cool slightly, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Incorporate grated garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, creating a creamy, tangy dressing.
- Layer chopped romaine lettuce in a large serving bowl. Top with grilled chicken and homemade croutons. Drizzle generously with Caesar dressing, gently tossing to ensure even coating. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan.
- Present the salad immediately, optionally serving with a lemon wedge for extra zest. Enjoy the harmonious blend of crisp lettuce, juicy chicken, and crunchy croutons in this classic Caesar salad.
Notes
- Toast croutons evenly to ensure maximum crispiness without burning, watching closely during the last few minutes of baking.
- Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight to enhance flavor penetration and tenderize the meat.
- Customize the salad by adding roasted vegetables or swapping chicken with grilled tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Prepare dressing in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to save time during meal preparation.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg