Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
A timeless classic featuring tender grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and sharp Parmesan, all tossed in a creamy, homemade Caesar dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Chicken
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the chicken breasts, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 0.75 tsp salt, and 0.5 tsp black pepper.
- c.Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
- d.Set aside to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Creamy Caesar Dressing
- b.In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, 0.25 cup grated Parmesan, the remaining 3 tbsp lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, the remaining 2 minced garlic cloves, and anchovy paste (if using).
- c.Season with the remaining 0.5 tsp salt and 0.25 tsp black pepper.
- d.Whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy. If it's too thick, you can add a teaspoon of water to reach your desired consistency. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Grill the Chicken
- b.Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
- c.Place the marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- d.Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- e.Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This is crucial for keeping the chicken juicy.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble the Salad
- b.While the chicken rests, place the chopped romaine lettuce in a large salad bowl.
- c.Pour about two-thirds of the Caesar dressing over the lettuce and toss gently until all the leaves are lightly coated.
- d.Slice the rested chicken against the grain into strips.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Divide the dressed romaine lettuce among four plates or bowls.
- c.Top with the sliced grilled chicken.
- d.Sprinkle generously with croutons and the remaining shaved or grated Parmesan cheese.
- e.Drizzle with a little extra dressing if desired and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the juiciest chicken, pound the breasts to an even thickness before marinating. This ensures they cook evenly.
- 2Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block. It has a much better flavor and texture than pre-shredded varieties.
- 3Ensure your romaine lettuce is thoroughly dry before tossing with the dressing. A salad spinner works best for this.
- 4For a smokier flavor, use an outdoor charcoal or gas grill.
- 5Make your own croutons by tossing cubes of day-old bread with olive oil, garlic powder, and herbs, then baking until golden and crisp.
- 6Add the croutons just before serving to maintain their crunchiness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Replace the chicken with grilled shrimp, salmon, or steak for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarian OptionVegetarian Option
Omit the chicken and anchovy paste. Add grilled halloumi cheese, roasted chickpeas, or a hard-boiled egg for protein.
Add InsAdd-Ins
Enhance the salad with sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, or crispy bacon bits.
Lighter DressingLighter Dressing
For a lower-calorie dressing, substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
The grilled chicken breast provides high-quality lean protein, which is crucial for building and repairing muscle tissue, supporting immune function, and promoting satiety.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Romaine lettuce is a good source of Vitamin A, essential for vision and immune health, and Vitamin K, which plays a key role in blood clotting and bone health. Parmesan cheese adds a boost of calcium.
Supports Bone Health
Parmesan cheese is rich in calcium and phosphorus, two minerals that are fundamental for developing and maintaining strong, healthy bones.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of this salad contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the amount of dressing and croutons used. The majority of calories come from the creamy dressing, cheese, and chicken.