Description
A classic Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad featuring crisp romaine lettuce, tender grilled chicken, crunchy croutons, and savory Parmesan cheese, all tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing. This hearty yet fresh salad is perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- For the Grilled Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- Juice of half a lemon
- For the Salad Base:
- 2 large heads of romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- ½ cup shaved or grated Parmesan cheese
- For the Croutons:
- 3 cups cubed day-old bread
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- For the Caesar Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2–3 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken breasts on a cutting board. Pound gently to an even thickness. Mix olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice in a bowl. Rub mixture over chicken. Let rest for at least 15 minutes.
- Make the Croutons: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss cubed bread with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and parsley. Spread on a baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown, tossing halfway. Cool completely.
- Grill the Chicken: Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill marinated chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Prepare the Dressing: Combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Whisk until smooth. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to reach desired consistency.
- Assemble the Salad: Place chopped romaine lettuce in a large serving bowl. Add cherry tomatoes if using. Toss with Caesar dressing. Top with grilled chicken slices, croutons, and shaved Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with more dressing.
Notes
- Always check the internal temperature of chicken to ensure it is fully cooked but still juicy.
- Make sure the lettuce is completely dry before adding dressing.
- For a quicker option, use store-bought croutons.
- For a lighter dressing, replace half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
- You can grill the chicken and prepare the dressing up to 2 days in advance, storing them separately.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
Keywords: Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, Chicken Caesar salad with grill marks, Caesar salad with grilled chicken breast, Best grilled chicken Caesar salad recipe, Homemade grilled chicken Caesar salad, Classic grilled chicken Caesar salad, Easy grilled chicken Caesar salad, Simple grilled chicken Caesar salad, How to make grilled chicken Caesar salad, Ingredients for grilled chicken Caesar salad, Grilled chicken Caesar salad dressing recipe, Marinated grilled chicken Caesar salad, What is in a grilled chicken Caesar salad, Why is grilled chicken Caesar salad popular, Healthy grilled chicken Caesar salad, Light grilled chicken Caesar salad, Quick grilled chicken Caesar salad, Low-calorie grilled chicken Caesar salad, Grilled chicken Caesar salad for lunch, Grilled chicken Caesar salad for dinner