Classic Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken

Name: Classic Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 heads romaine lettuce (washed and chopped); 1 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought); 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated); 2 pieces chicken breasts (boneless, skinless); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 clove garlic (minced); 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper

35 min 4 servings Medium

All Recipes

Classic Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken

A timeless Caesar salad featuring crispy romaine, homemade dressing, and perfectly grilled chicken for a satisfying meal.

Prep

20 min

Cook

15 min

Total

35 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

The Caesar Salad is a staple in many households, loved for its crisp lettuce, creamy dressing, and savoury flavours. Originating from Tijuana, Mexico, it's been embraced worldwide, with numerous variations to suit every palate. This recipe stays true to the classic salad while adding grilled chicken for extra protein, making it hearty enough to serve as a main course. The homemade dressing, with its tangy and savoury notes, ties everything together beautifully.

Ingredients

Servings

Salad

Grilled Chicken

Caesar Dressing

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Preheat the grill to medium heat. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest before slicing.

Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Make the Dressing

In a bowl, combine minced garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and mayonnaise. Whisk until smooth. Stir in grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Pro tip: For a lighter dressing, substitute some of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.

Prepare the Lettuce

Wash and chop the romaine lettuce. Pat dry with a towel to remove excess moisture. This ensures the dressing adheres well.

Pro tip: Use a salad spinner for quicker drying.

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, croutons, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Add the dressing and toss to coat evenly.

Pro tip: Chill the salad bowl before use for a crispier salad.

Add the Chicken

Slice the grilled chicken and arrange it over the salad. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.

Pro tip: For extra flavour, drizzle a bit of the dressing over the chicken slices before serving.

Serve

Divide the Caesar salad into individual servings and serve immediately.

Pro tip: Serve with lemon wedges for an extra zesty kick.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavour.</li><li>Grill the chicken over medium heat for juicy results.</li><li>Chill the salad bowl and utensils for a crisp, refreshing salad.</li><li>Adjust the dressing seasoning to taste after mixing.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

This Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken is perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at dinner. Pair it with a chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for a refreshing complement. To make ahead, prepare all components separately and assemble just before serving. Store leftover dressing in the refrigerator for up to a week. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken.