Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Description

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is a fresh, satisfying dish that combines smoky grilled chicken breast, crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and rich Parmesan cheese, all tossed in creamy Caesar dressing. The charred flavor from the grill elevates the classic Caesar salad into a hearty, protein-packed meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

• • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp paprika (optional for extra flavor)

• For the salad:

  • 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped

  • 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)

  • ½ cup shaved or shredded Parmesan cheese

  • ½ cup Caesar dressing (homemade or store-bought)

  • Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken

   • Pat chicken breasts dry and coat with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.

   • Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

2. Grill the chicken

   • Place chicken on grill and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

   • Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

3. Assemble the salad

   • In a large bowl, add chopped romaine, croutons, and Parmesan.

   • Drizzle with Caesar dressing and toss lightly to coat.

4. Serve

   • Top salad with sliced grilled chicken.

   • Garnish with extra Parmesan and lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

• You can marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before grilling for deeper flavor.

• Homemade Caesar dressing usually contains raw egg; if concerned, use pasteurized eggs or egg-free recipes.

• Romaine hearts give the best crunch for this salad.

Tips

• If you don’t have a grill, pan-sear the chicken on a stovetop or use an air fryer for 10–12 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

• Toast your croutons with a little garlic butter for extra flavor.

• Add cherry tomatoes or avocado for extra color and nutrition.

Servings

• Yield: 4 servings

• Serving Size: About 2 cups salad with 4 oz chicken

Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 380

• Protein: 33g

• Fat: 20g

• Carbohydrates: 15g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 2g

• Sodium: 680mg

Benefits

• High in protein – Supports muscle repair and satiety.

• Rich in vitamins – Romaine is a good source of Vitamin A and K.

• Balanced meal – Contains lean protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs.

• Lower in calories – A lighter yet filling option for lunch or dinner.

Q & A

Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of grilling?
A: Yes, rotisserie chicken works great for convenience—just skip the grilling step.

Q: How long can I store leftovers?
A: Store undressed salad and chicken separately for up to 3 days in the fridge. Add dressing just before eating to avoid sogginess.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Absolutely—swap grilled chicken for grilled tofu, chickpeas, or roasted vegetables.

Q: What’s the best Caesar dressing to use?
A: Homemade dressing with fresh lemon, anchovies, garlic, and Parmesan tastes best, but store-bought is fine for a quick meal.