Description
This Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is a classic favorite combining tender grilled chicken breasts with crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a rich, creamy Caesar dressing made from scratch. Ready in just 25 minutes, this salad offers a perfect balance of smoky, savory flavors and fresh, tangy elements, making it an ideal light lunch or dinner that is both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Salad
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
For the Caesar Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 tsp anchovy paste (optional, but traditional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and juices run clear. Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and anchovy paste if using. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is creamy and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, croutons, and Parmesan cheese. Toss lightly with the prepared Caesar dressing until evenly coated.
- Serve: Slice the grilled chicken breasts and arrange them on top of the dressed salad. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter dressing, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- If you don’t have anchovy paste, you can omit it, but it adds a traditional umami flavor to the dressing.
- Grilled chicken can be replaced with roasted or pan-seared chicken as per convenience.
- Homemade croutons can be made by toasting cubed bread with olive oil and garlic in the oven.
- Ensure the lettuce is well dried to help the dressing adhere better.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
