Pin It A classic Caesar salad topped with juicy grilled chicken, crunchy croutons, and a creamy homemade dressing—perfect for a fresh, satisfying meal.
This salad quickly became a family favorite for warm weather lunches and easy dinners.
Ingredients
- For the Grilled Chicken: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- For the Caesar Salad: 1 large head romaine lettuce, washed and chopped, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional), ½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese, 1 cup croutons
- For the Caesar Dressing: ⅓ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 garlic clove, minced, ½ teaspoon anchovy paste (optional), Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Grill:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Prepare Chicken:
- Brush chicken breasts with olive oil, then season both sides with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Grill Chicken:
- Grill chicken for 6—7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Make Dressing:
- While chicken is grilling, prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and anchovy paste (if using). Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
- Toss Salad:
- In a large bowl, toss chopped romaine lettuce with enough dressing to lightly coat.
- Add Toppings:
- Add cherry tomatoes (if using), shaved Parmesan, and croutons. Toss gently.
- Serve:
- Top salad with sliced grilled chicken. Drizzle with extra dressing and finish with more Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Pin It This recipe is perfect for family dinners where everyone enjoys a healthy and flavorful meal together.
Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside crusty bread or a light soup for a complete lunch or dinner.
Variations
Add hard-boiled eggs or avocado to the salad for extra richness and texture.
Storage
Store leftover dressing separately and grilled chicken slices wrapped tightly in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Pin It Enjoy this fresh and flavorful salad any time you need a quick nutritious meal.
Questions About This Recipe
- → What’s the best way to grill the chicken evenly?
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side, ensuring an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for juicy, fully cooked results.
- → Can I substitute the mayonnaise in the dressing?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a great lighter alternative that maintains creaminess while adding a subtle tang to the dressing.
- → How can I make the dressing more authentic?
Adding anchovy paste enhances the classic Caesar flavor, but it’s optional depending on your preference.
- → What salad greens work best besides romaine?
Romaine lettuce is traditional for its crispness, but you can use kale or baby spinach for a different texture and flavor.
- → How should I store leftovers to maintain crunch?
Keep the grilled chicken and lettuce separate from the croutons and dressing, combining just before serving to preserve texture.