Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is always my go-to when I want something satisfying yet fresh. Tender grilled chicken laid over crisp romaine, crunchy croutons and a creamy Caesar dressing come together for a meal that feels special with little fuss. This recipe is perfect for summer lunches or whenever you crave a lighter comfort food that still leaves you full.

Every time I make this salad, I am amazed by how quickly it disappears from the table. The dressing tastes so much fresher than anything store-bought and my whole family loves when extra grilled chicken gets piled on top.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: juicy and lean they grill quickly and absorb the seasoning well Choose ones that feel firm with no strong odor
• Olive oil: helps the chicken stay moist on the grill and enhances flavor Always pick extra virgin for best taste
• Garlic powder: boosts savory notes without the bite of raw garlic
• Dried Italian herbs: bring a hint of Mediterranean flavor Opt for a blend with oregano and basil
• Salt and black pepper: heighten all the other flavors Freshly ground black pepper gives the best kick
• Romaine lettuce: crisp texture and subtle bitterness form the perfect base Look for heads with green outer leaves and no slimy spots
• Cherry tomatoes: optional but add a juicy pop Choose firm deeply colored tomatoes
• Croutons: give crunch and absorb the dressing Pick hearty bakery-style croutons for best texture
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: makes the salad creamy and tangy Use the wedge and grate fresh for maximum flavor
• Mayonnaise: forms the creamy body of the dressing Use full fat for richness
• More Parmesan cheese: in the dressing for depth
• Lemon juice: balances the richness with fresh acidity
• Dijon mustard: adds a subtle bite and complexity
• Worcestershire sauce: brings the umami backbone
• Minced garlic: provides a sharp savory finish
• Anchovy fillets: optional but traditional they deliver classic Caesar flavor Chop very fine for best texture and buy from a jar stored in olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Your Grill or Grill Pan:

Heat your grill or grill pan to medium high so it s hot before adding protein This will make sure you get those great grill marks and the chicken cooks evenly

Season the Chicken:

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and rub both sides evenly with olive oil garlic powder Italian herbs salt and pepper Press the seasoning in gently to help it adhere

Grill the Chicken:

Lay the seasoned chicken breasts onto the hot grill Cook for six to seven minutes on the first side without moving them so you get a good sear When the bottom lifts easily flip and cook another six to seven minutes until juices run clear an instant read thermometer should show one hundred sixty five degrees Let the chicken rest for five minutes before slicing to keep the juices in

Make the Caesar Dressing:

In a small bowl whisk together mayonnaise grated Parmesan lemon juice Dijon mustard Worcestershire sauce minced garlic salt black pepper and anchovies if using Whisk rapidly until completely smooth and creamy Taste the dressing and add a splash more lemon juice or a pinch of salt if needed

Build the Salad Base:

In a very large bowl combine your chopped romaine lettuce cherry tomatoes if using and roughly half of your croutons Drizzle with half of the Caesar dressing Make sure to toss gently but thoroughly so every leaf gets coated and the flavors are distributed

Finish and Serve:

Arrange the sliced grilled chicken on top of the salad Drizzle with the remaining Caesar dressing then sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over everything and add the rest of the croutons Serve the salad right away before the croutons soften

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Storage Tips

If you want to prep ahead keep all components separate Store lettuce in a sealed container with a paper towel to absorb moisture Dress only right before serving to avoid soggy greens Leftovers with dressing will keep up to one day in the fridge but the croutons will soften so I always save them to add just before eating

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need a dairy free option skip the Parmesan and try nutritional yeast for a similar umami feel For gluten free use gluten free croutons and always double check your Worcestershire sauce Choose rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal or grilled shrimp for a seafood twist

Serving Suggestions

This salad shines as a main but it pairs well with simple breadsticks or a side of soup On hot days I serve it with cold sparkling lemonade or light white wine Sometimes we lay out a Caesar bar using different proteins for fun family style dinners

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Cultural and Historical Context

Caesar salad is an Italian American classic with roots in Tijuana Mexico created by Caesar Cardini in the nineteen twenties The grilled chicken version became popular decades later as Americans looked for satisfying salads that could take the place of a full meal Making your own dressing brings you closer to that original tableside magic

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I achieve juicy grilled chicken breasts?

Brush chicken with olive oil and season well before grilling over medium-high heat. Let the cooked chicken rest for five minutes before slicing to retain moisture.

→ Can I substitute the protein in this salad?

Yes, grilled shrimp or tofu work well as alternatives to chicken, offering unique flavors and textures.

→ Is homemade Caesar dressing necessary?

Homemade dressing offers the freshest taste, but store-bought versions can save time and still deliver good flavor.

→ What can I use instead of anchovies?

You may omit anchovies for a milder salad or boost tanginess with extra lemon juice instead.

→ How do I keep my romaine lettuce crisp?

Wash and thoroughly dry romaine with a salad spinner before assembling to maintain its crunch.

→ Are croutons necessary in this salad?

Croutons add a classic crunch, but can be omitted or replaced with toasted seeds for a gluten-free option.