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Crispy Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken

crispy Caesar salad with grilled chicken - featured image

A quick and easy summer salad featuring crispy romaine, smoky grilled chicken, sharp Parmesan, crunchy croutons, and a tangy creamy Caesar dressing. Perfect for light yet filling meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large heads romaine lettuce, washed and torn
  • 2 medium grilled chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 350g), seasoned and sliced
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
  2. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side (12-14 minutes total) until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and anchovy paste.
  4. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a splash of water if dressing is too thick.
  5. Tear romaine into bite-sized pieces and dry thoroughly using a salad spinner or towels.
  6. In a large bowl, lightly toss romaine with about two-thirds of the dressing to coat leaves without drowning them.
  7. Add sliced grilled chicken, croutons, and half the Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to combine.
  8. Divide salad among plates or a large serving bowl. Drizzle remaining dressing on top, sprinkle with remaining Parmesan, and add extra black pepper if desired.
  9. Serve immediately to maintain crispness.

Notes

Dry lettuce thoroughly to avoid soggy salad. Rest chicken after grilling to keep it juicy. Emulsify dressing slowly for best texture. Homemade croutons add extra crunch and flavor. Store dressing and salad components separately if prepping ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caesar salad, grilled chicken, summer salad, crispy romaine, Parmesan, easy salad recipe, healthy dinner