Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Delight your taste buds with this classic Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad recipe. A wholesome blend of crispy lettuce, juicy grilled chicken, crunchy croutons, and a creamy dressing, it's the perfect mix of taste and nutrition. Simple yet flavorful, this salad is a meal on its own. You don't have to be a pro chef to whip up this delectable dish.

It's easy to prepare and uses ingredients you likely have in your pantry. Ideal for lunch, dinner, or a weekend brunch, this Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is truly versatile.

Why This Recipe Works

The first reason this Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad recipe works so well is its balance of flavors and textures. The succulent grilled chicken brings a smoky depth, the romaine lettuce adds a fresh crispness, and the croutons provide a satisfying crunch. Topped with a creamy Caesar dressing and shaved Parmesan cheese, it offers a symphony of tastes that'll have you coming back for more. Whether you're a salad aficionado or a casual diner, this dish is sure to impress.

Secondly, this recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. The grilled chicken is a great source of lean protein, while the lettuce and other greens pack in vitamins and fiber. The dressing, while indulgent, can be adjusted to suit low-fat or low-calorie dietary needs. Plus, the ease and speed of preparation make it a practical choice for busy weeknights or when you need a quick and healthy meal. So if you're looking for a recipe that's tasty, healthy, and convenient, this Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is a perfect choice.

Ingredients

Chicken Breasts- Ideally, you want boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. They're lean, full of protein, and grill beautifully. If unavailable, you can substitute with boneless chicken thighs.

Romaine Lettuce- This crunchy, fresh lettuce forms the bed for our salad. It has a mild flavor that pairs well with the potent Caesar dressing. If needed, iceberg or butter lettuce can be used instead.

Parmesan Cheese- A hard, sharp Italian cheese that adds a salty, umami punch to the salad. You can use Grana Padano or Romano if Parmesan isn't available.

Croutons- These provide a delightful crunch to contrast the tender chicken and crisp lettuce. Store-bought works fine, but you can also make your own. Alternatively, toasted almonds or pecans can be used for a different kind of crunch.

Caesar Dressing- This rich, creamy dressing brings everything together. You can buy it, or make it homemade using ingredients like egg yolk, garlic, lemon juice, anchovies, and olive oil. If you're in a pinch, a creamy ranch dressing will do the trick.

Tips

  • Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
  • Don't overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • To keep your lettuce crisp, add the dressing just before serving.
  • If using store-bought dressing, taste it first. If needed, add more lemon juice or parmesan to enhance the flavor.
  • Hand-tear the lettuce instead of cutting it. This prevents the edges from browning and the lettuce stays fresher for longer.

How to Serve

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad makes a satisfying, hearty meal on its own, especially for lunch. The tender, juicy chicken paired with crisp romaine lettuce and tangy Caesar dressing creates a beautiful medley of flavors and textures.

  • For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside a crusty baguette or a bowl of tomato soup.
  • If you're hosting a dinner, start with a light appetizer like bruschetta, follow with the Caesar salad as a Dinner, and end with a light dessert like lemon sorbet.
  • For a less formal setting, consider setting up a salad bar where guests can customize their own salad, including various toppings like cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, olives, and hard-boiled eggs, in addition to the chicken and Caesar dressing.

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Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Savor this easy Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad recipe, featuring tender chicken, crisp lettuce, and tangy dressing. Perfect for a satisfying, healthy meal!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: dinner
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: caesar seasoning, chicken breast, parmesan cheese
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Corrie

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 heads Romaine lettuce washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups croutons
  • 1 cup Caesar dressing

Instructions

  • Marinate the chicken breasts with your preferred spices and some olive oil for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the grill over medium heat.
  • Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly.
  • In a large bowl, combine the Romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, croutons, and sliced chicken.
  • Drizzle with the Caesar dressing and toss until everything is well coated.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 7734kcal Carbohydrates: 64g Protein: 1025g Fat: 346g Saturated Fat: 92g Polyunsaturated Fat: 97g Monounsaturated Fat: 110g Cholesterol: 2944mg Sodium: 7163mg Potassium: 16745mg Fiber: 4g Sugar: 7g Vitamin A: 945IU Vitamin C: 1mg Calcium: 1262mg Iron: 29mg

Notes

  • Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
  • Don't overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • To keep your lettuce crisp, add the dressing just before serving.
  • If using store-bought dressing, taste it first. If needed, add more lemon juice or parmesan to enhance the flavor.
  • Hand-tear the lettuce instead of cutting it. This prevents the edges from browning and the lettuce stays fresher for longer.
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