Savory Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

A Crisp and Flavorful Classic

Chicken Caesar Salad combines crisp romaine lettuce with succulent grilled chicken, crunchy croutons, and parmesan cheese, all brought together by a creamy, tangy dressing. The flavors complement one another wonderfully, offering a fresh bite and a satisfying crunch. Add croutons for texture, and you’ll have a balanced, wholesome dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for at least an hour before grilling.
• To make croutons at home, cube stale bread, toss in olive oil, salt, and herbs, then bake until golden.
• Massage kale or cabbage leaves to soften their texture if using as an alternative to lettuce.

Variations

• Kale Caesar: Substitute chopped kale for romaine lettuce and massage it with olive oil before assembling the salad.
• Avocado Caesar: Add slices of ripe avocado for a creamy twist.
• Seafood Caesar: Swap chicken for grilled shrimp or salmon.
• Spicy Caesar: Add chili flakes to the dressing or season the chicken with Cajun spices.

Chef’s Note

The secret to a great Caesar salad is balancing the flavors of the dressing. The tanginess from lemon juice and Worcestershire sauce, the sharpness of garlic and Dijon mustard, and the umami-rich parmesan cheese create a bold, creamy dressing that pairs perfectly with grilled chicken.

Let’s Make It

Savory Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

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Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup croutons
• ¼ cup shaved parmesan cheese

Optional Savory Marinade

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp anchovy paste (optional)
• 2-3 minced garlic cloves

The Dressing

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Grill the Chicken
   • Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
   • Grill over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
   • Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before slicing.
2. Prepare the Dressing
   • In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
   • Adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Assemble the Salad
   • In a large bowl, toss the romaine lettuce with the dressing.
   • Top with sliced chicken, croutons, and shaved parmesan cheese.

Wine, Beer, and Side Dish Pairings

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