Description
Chicken Caesar Salad is a classic dish featuring crisp romaine lettuce, juicy grilled chicken, crunchy croutons, and a creamy Caesar dressing. It is a well-balanced meal that can be enjoyed as a light main dish or a hearty starter.
Ingredients
- 2 heads of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup croutons
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- For the Caesar Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 anchovy fillets or 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill or oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Marinate the chicken breasts with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Let sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or bake for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Prepare the Caesar dressing by whisking together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, anchovy paste, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper.
- In a large salad bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add the sliced grilled chicken on top.
- Drizzle with Caesar dressing and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and black pepper, if desired.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free croutons or replace them with seeds or nuts.
- For a lighter dressing, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
- To add more flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas.
- Store components separately to keep the salad fresh for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling or Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American