Description
Enjoy a classic Chicken Caesar Salad with fresh romaine lettuce, juicy grilled chicken, crunchy croutons, and a creamy homemade Caesar dressing. This simple and flavorful recipe offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it a delicious option for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Salad:
- 4 cups of fresh romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, or cucumber slices for extra nutrition
- For the Dressing:
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp anchovy paste (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise (optional for creamier texture)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts in the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or pan to medium heat. Grill or pan-sear the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine egg yolk, Dijon mustard, garlic, and lemon juice. Slowly whisk in the olive oil to emulsify the dressing. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and anchovy paste (if using). Add salt and black pepper to taste. For a creamier dressing, mix in the mayonnaise.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss together chopped romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese. Slice the grilled chicken into strips and add it to the salad. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss until all ingredients are well-coated.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and croutons if desired. For variation, you can add cherry tomatoes or avocado slices for extra flavor and nutrition.
Notes
For added flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before grilling. You can also customize the salad with toppings like cherry tomatoes, avocado, or bacon. For a lighter version, use a vinaigrette instead of the traditional creamy dressing.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Chicken Salad
- Method: Grilling, Tossing
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 475 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1050mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 115 g