Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe - Easy, Fresh, and Full of Flavor
Chicken Caesar Salad is one of those dishes that almost everyone enjoys. It’s crisp, creamy, filling, and full of flavor. You can make it at home in less than 30 minutes, and it works great for lunch or a light dinner. The ingredients are easy to find, and you don’t need any special skills to put it all together.
In this article, you’ll learn how to make a classic Chicken Caesar Salad, what ingredients you need, a few simple ways to change it up, and tips to make it healthier without losing any flavor.
Looking for another chicken recipe? Try this creamy garlic chicken pasta.
What Is Chicken Caesar Salad?
Chicken Caesar Salad is a version of the original Caesar salad. The original didn’t have chicken. It was just romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, croutons, and Caesar dressing. But when chicken was added, it turned the salad into a full meal. It became a favorite in restaurants and homes around the world.
The combination of grilled chicken, fresh lettuce, crunchy croutons, and creamy dressing makes this salad hard to beat.
Ingredients
You don’t need a lot of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for one large salad (enough for 2 servings):
For the salad:
1 large head of romaine lettuce
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup of croutons (homemade or store-bought)
1/4 cup grated or shaved parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper
Olive oil for cooking the chicken
Caesar dressing:
1 egg yolk or 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (optional)
If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought Caesar dressing. Just make sure it’s creamy and full of flavor.
Directions
1. Cook the Chicken
Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
Heat a pan over medium heat and add a little olive oil.
Cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and fully cooked.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice it thin.
2. Make the Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolk (or mayo), garlic, mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
Slowly add the olive oil while whisking to create a smooth dressing.
Stir in parmesan cheese if using.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Prepare the Salad
Wash and chop the romaine lettuce.
Place the lettuce in a large bowl.
Add croutons and parmesan cheese.
Add the sliced chicken on top.
Drizzle with dressing and gently toss everything together.
Tips for Making Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe Healthier
While Chicken Caesar Salad is already a pretty healthy choice, here are a few tips to make it even better:
Use grilled or baked chicken instead of fried
Use a lighter dressing or Greek yogurt-based Caesar dressing
Cut back on the croutons or use whole grain bread
Add extra greens like spinach or kale for more nutrients
Use less cheese if you’re watching calories
This chicken Caesar salad also pairs well with a side like this deviled egg potato salad.
Nutrition Facts
*Per serving of Chicken Caesar Salad (about 1 large bowl)
- Calories~500 kcal
- Protein38 g
- Carbs12 g
- Fat32 g
- Saturated Fat6 g
- Cholesterol110 mg
- Sodium580 mg
- Fiber2 g
FAQs on Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe
Q1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
- Yes, it’s a great shortcut. Just shred or slice it and add it to your salad.
Q2. Is Caesar dressing safe with raw egg?
- If you’re worried about raw eggs, use pasteurized eggs or swap the yolk for mayo. You can also buy a safe, ready-made dressing.
Q3. Can I make it without dairy?
- Yes, skip the cheese and check your dressing ingredients to avoid dairy.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Caesar Salad is a classic for a reason. It’s easy, tasty, and can be made with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re making it for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this salad is always a good idea.
If you’ve never tried making it at home, now’s the time. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll never want the store-bought version again.
Finish your meal with one of these simple low calorie desserts under 200 calories.
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