Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe You’ll Love

There’s something timeless and comforting about a Chicken Caesar Salad. Whether it’s a light summer lunch or a cozy fall dinner with crusty bread on the side, this salad hits the spot every single time. It’s got all the textures—crunchy romaine, juicy grilled chicken, crisp croutons—and the creamy tang of Caesar dressing brings everything together.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
1 cup homemade or store-bought croutons
⅓ cup shaved Parmesan cheese

For the Caesar Dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp anchovy paste (optional but recommended)
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt & black pepper, to taste

🔪 How to Make Chicken Caesar Salad

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Grill the Chicken
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Grill or pan-sear over medium heat for 5–6 minutes per side, until cooked through.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
Make the Caesar Dressing
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayo, garlic, mustard, Worcestershire, anchovy paste, lemon juice, and Parmesan.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Chill until ready to use.
Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, add chopped romaine.
- Toss with Caesar dressing until evenly coated.
- Top with sliced chicken, croutons, and shaved Parmesan.
Serve Fresh
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor. Add cracked black pepper on top if desired.

🔁 Variations & Substitutions

No Anchovies? Skip the anchovy paste or use extra Worcestershire for umami flavor.
Low-Carb Version: Swap croutons for roasted chickpeas or parmesan crisps.
Make it a Wrap: Roll the dressed salad in a whole wheat tortilla for a Caesar chicken wrap.
Vegetarian Option: Use grilled tofu or crispy chickpeas instead of chicken.

🧊 Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Store leftover salad (undressed) in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Keep dressing separate until ready to eat to maintain crispness.
Grilled chicken can be cooked and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Great for meal prepping lunches—just layer in a mason jar (dressing at the bottom).

💪 Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approx.)

Calories: 410
Protein: 32g
Carbs: 8g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 3g

❓FAQs

Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of grilling it?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and still tastes amazing with Caesar dressing.

Q2: Is Caesar dressing safe for pregnancy?

If using homemade dressing, make sure it’s egg-free or use pasteurized eggs. Or simply use a safe store-bought version.

Q3: What kind of lettuce works best?

Romaine is classic for its crunch, but you can mix in kale or spinach for extra nutrients.

Want a refreshing dessert to go with it? 👉 Moist & Easy Zucchini Bread Recipe!