A Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is a delicious and nutritious option that combines the savory flavors of grilled chicken with the classic Caesar dressing.
This salad packs around 440-450 calories per serving, making it a satisfying choice without the guilt. You’ll get a solid dose of protein—34 grams—which is 61% of your daily value, supporting muscle health. Additionally, by reducing cheese or crouton quantity, you can further lower the calorie content while still enjoying the dish.
The healthy fats, primarily from olive oil, promote heart health, while the salad also delivers essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin A and calcium.
With its customizable nature, you can adjust ingredients to meet your dietary needs. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or a lighter meal, this salad is a flavorful way to stay nourished.
Ingredients
To create a delicious Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, you’ll need a variety of fresh and flavorful ingredients. Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, marinated in a mix of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. This salad is not only tasty but also high in protein due to the chicken.
For the salad base, chop up some romaine lettuce and consider adding freshly shaved parmesan cheese. Don’t forget croutons for that perfect crunch—homemade sourdough or focaccia croutons work wonders.
Finally, choose between a homemade or store-bought Caesar dressing, which should include mayonnaise, garlic, and lemon juice.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Romaine lettuce, chopped
- Freshly shaved parmesan cheese
- Homemade sourdough or focaccia croutons
- Caesar dressing (homemade or store-bought)
Recipe
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is a flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Start by marinating chicken in olive oil, garlic powder, and herbs for at least an hour. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side until it hits 165°F, then let it rest. Chicken is a high-protein ingredient, making this salad not only delicious but also satisfying.
Next, make your croutons by tossing bread cubes with olive oil and baking them until golden.
For the Caesar dressing, blend olive oil, lemon juice, and anchovy fillets until smooth.
Finally, assemble your salad by mixing chopped romaine lettuce with sliced chicken, croutons, and dressing. Serve immediately for the best texture.
- Use stale bread for crispiness.
- Grill bread for added flavor.
- Refrigerate dressing before serving.
- Toss salad just before serving.
- Experiment with different marinades.
Cooking Tips
When preparing Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, a few essential cooking tips can elevate your dish. Start by using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for juiciness. Marinate the chicken for at least an hour, but ideally up to 24 hours, to enhance flavor. Grill it over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side until it reaches 165°F, avoiding excessive movement for nice charred spots. Let the chicken rest before slicing.
For croutons, opt for stale sourdough or crusty bread, grilling until crispy. Use romaine hearts, drizzled with olive oil and seasoning, grilling cut side down for 2-3 minutes. Remember that grilled croutons can be served hot, cold, or at room temperature for versatility.
Confirm your grill’s hot, around 500°F, for prime results and to manage cooking times efficiently.
Serving Suggestions
A delicious Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad can easily stand alone as a main course, thanks to its hearty ingredients. You can enhance the meal by adding extra proteins like steak or rotisserie chicken for more flavor. Consider serving it with grilled croutons and charred romaine hearts to elevate the texture. This salad is not only satisfying but also high in protein due to the grilled chicken, making it a perfect choice for a healthy dinner.
Pair the salad with a comforting side of Broccoli Cheese Soup or Roasted Butternut Squash Soup for a satisfying dinner. For variety, roasted cherry tomatoes or grilled shrimp can complement the salad beautifully. If you want something heartier, try serving it alongside baked ziti or even bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin. Don’t forget to drizzle extra Caesar dressing and sprinkle Parmesan for that perfect finishing touch!
Storing
To keep your Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad fresh, it’s essential to store its components properly.
Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. Let it rest before slicing to maintain juiciness.
Cool croutons completely before placing them in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days; they can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
For dressing, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days.
Always store salad components separately to maintain freshness, assembling just before serving.
If you have leftovers without dressing, they’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Health Benefits
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad offers numerous health benefits that can enhance your overall well-being. The high protein content from the chicken supports muscle tissue and provides slow-burning fuel for your daily activities.
Romaine lettuce is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K, which improve skin texture. The garlic in the dressing acts as a natural antibiotic, promoting heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol.
Anchovies add omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce blood pressure and triglyceride levels. With balanced macronutrients, the salad combines protein, healthy fats, and fiber, aiding in satiety and hydration.
Plus, incorporating additional vegetables boosts your nutrient intake, making this salad a wholesome choice for a light yet filling dinner.
What to serve with it
When planning a meal around Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, you’ve got plenty of delicious options to enhance the dining experience. For proteins, consider juicy grilled marinated chicken breasts or crispy fried shrimp to complement the salad’s creamy dressing.
Lemon-herb grilled shrimp or teriyaki salmon provide invigorating contrasts, while chicken wings add an extra crunch.
If you’re in the mood for pasta, hearty baked ziti or comforting chicken Alfredo pairs wonderfully. For a vegetable side, roasted cherry tomatoes or grilled corn can elevate the flavors.
Don’t forget about garlic cheese bread for a warm, buttery touch. Finally, options like quinoa and black beans or chicken kebabs can round out your meal and boost the protein content. Enjoy!
