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Chicken Caesar Salad

Chicken Caesar Salad
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A quick and easy Chicken Caesar Salad featuring tender grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and creamy homemade Caesar dressing. Perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner, this flavorful salad combines fresh ingredients and balanced nutrition for a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Base

  • 2 cups crisp Romaine lettuce, washed and chopped

Protein

  • 2 chicken breasts, grilled or pan-seared
  • Olive oil, for grilling the chicken (about 1-2 tbsp)

Croutons

  • 1 cup crunchy croutons (homemade or store-bought)

Dressing

  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp anchovy paste (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 tbsp mayonnaise for thicker dressing

Toppings

  • Extra Parmesan cheese, for garnish
  • Freshly cracked black pepper (optional)
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or chives (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Grill or pan-sear the chicken over medium-high heat until thoroughly cooked and golden brown, approximately 6-7 minutes per side. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
  2. Wash and Chop Romaine: Rinse the romaine lettuce under cold water and pat dry. Chop or tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl to keep the salad crisp.
  3. Prepare the Caesar Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine minced garlic, anchovy paste (optional), fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and grated Parmesan cheese. Slowly whisk in olive oil to create a creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adding mayonnaise if a thicker dressing is desired.
  4. Assemble the Salad: Toss the chopped romaine with the Caesar dressing until evenly coated. Arrange the sliced chicken on top, sprinkle with croutons, and finish with extra Parmesan cheese. Mix gently to distribute ingredients but maintain an inviting appearance.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while the chicken is warm and the lettuce crisp, maximizing the delightful texture contrast.

Notes

  • Use fresh, crisp romaine lettuce for best crunch and flavor.
  • Allow grilled chicken to rest before slicing to retain juiciness.
  • Make homemade croutons by toasting cubed bread with olive oil and garlic for extra crispiness and flavor.
  • Balance dressing flavors by tasting and adjusting as you go.
  • Serve salad immediately to maintain texture and freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Caesar Salad, grilled chicken, healthy salad, quick salad, easy lunch, Caesar dressing

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/chicken-caesar-salad/