Savory Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

k engels

2 years ago

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.

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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

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

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

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.
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.
Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, toss the romaine lettuce with the dressing.
- Top with sliced chicken, croutons, and shaved parmesan cheese.