Zesty Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe: Fresh & Flavorful

Summer lunches call for a mouthwatering grilled chicken caesar salad that delivers both freshness and flavor.

Crisp romaine leaves create the perfect green canvas for succulent meat.

Zesty dressing coats each ingredient with tangy goodness.

Parmesan cheese adds a delightful salty crunch to every bite.

Homemade croutons bring a satisfying crispness that store-bought versions can’t match.

Lean protein and vibrant greens combine for a meal that feels both indulgent and nutritious.

Savor this classic dish that promises to become your new warm-weather favorite.

Grilled Caesar Chicken Salad That’s Crisp, Juicy, and Filling

• Quick and Easy Meal: Whip up this grilled chicken caesar salad in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute lunches.
• Protein-Packed Delight: Loaded with tender grilled chicken and optional hard-boiled egg, this salad provides a satisfying and nutritious meal that keeps you full.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping croutons for gluten-free alternatives or lightening the dressing with Greek yogurt, making it friendly for various dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Classic: A timeless caesar salad that appeals to all ages, from kids to adults, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or casual gatherings.

What Goes In Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

• Chicken Breast: Lean and tender meat that serves as the primary protein source, best when boneless and skinless.
• Egg: Optional protein boost, adds richness and extra nutrition to the salad.

• Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and fresh green with a mild flavor, perfect for Caesar salads, choose hearts for maximum crunchiness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that adds depth and classic Caesar salad flavor, freshly grated is recommended.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base for the dressing, can be partially replaced with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
• Greek Yogurt: Optional ingredient to lighten the dressing, adds tanginess and reduces calories.
• Croutons: Crunchy bread cubes that provide texture, can be substituted with gluten-free options if needed.

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Prep with Dressing Tips

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Place chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring they’re completely coated.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.

Step 2: Preheat Grill

Heat your outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat.

Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking and create beautiful grill marks on the chicken.

Step 3: Grill Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry with paper towels.

Discard remaining marinade.

Place chicken on the hot grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

The chicken should have nice char marks and be completely cooked through.

Step 4: Rest and Slice Chicken

Transfer grilled chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes.

This helps retain juices.

Slice chicken into thin, diagonal strips.

Step 5: Prepare Caesar Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Anchovy paste
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Worcestershire sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Black pepper

Step 6: Assemble Salad

In a large bowl, toss romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing.

• Sliced grilled chicken
• Homemade or store-bought croutons
• Extra Parmesan cheese shavings

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the salad immediately and garnish with additional black pepper and a lemon wedge.

Best served fresh and warm.

Caesar Salad Tips with That Chargrilled Chicken Finish

• Add a hard-boiled egg to increase the protein content and make the salad more filling.
• Replace traditional croutons with gluten-free alternatives like toasted nuts or corn tortilla strips for celiac-friendly dining.
• Swap half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories and add a tangy, creamy texture.
• Mix different lettuce varieties like romaine, arugula, or baby spinach to add more nutrition and flavor complexity.
• Briefly marinate chicken in Caesar dressing before grilling to infuse extra flavor and keep the meat juicy.

Store Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

• Store leftover grilled chicken caesar salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent soggy croutons and wilted lettuce.
• Store chicken, lettuce, croutons, and dressing in individual containers to maintain freshness and crisp textures.
• Gently warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave for 30-45 seconds to prevent drying out.
• When ready to eat, quickly reassemble salad with chilled ingredients for the best taste and texture experience.

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Pairings

• Perfectly Pair Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc complements the grilled chicken's smoky flavors and cuts through the creamy caesar dressing with its bright, zesty notes.
• Enhance with Crusty Artisan Bread: Serve a slice of rustic sourdough or baguette to soak up extra dressing and add a delightful textural contrast to the salad's crunch.
• Elevate with Chilled Sparkling Water: A refreshing mineral water with a slice of lemon adds a clean, palate-cleansing element that balances the rich, tangy dressing.
• Complete with Roasted Garlic Hummus: A small side of creamy hummus provides an additional protein boost and Mediterranean-inspired flavor that harmonizes with the caesar salad's profile.

Grilled Caesar Chicken Salad Upgrades

• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap: Ditch the bread and wrap the grilled chicken in crisp lettuce leaves for a carb-conscious alternative.
• Vegan Protein Swap: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, using plant-based Caesar dressing made from cashews and nutritional yeast.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Skip croutons, add extra avocado slices, and use a high-fat dressing with minimal carbohydrates.
• Mediterranean Spin: Top with feta cheese, kalamata olives, and swap traditional croutons for toasted pine nuts for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

FAQs

• Is Caesar salad dressing safe to eat raw?

Traditional Caesar dressing contains raw eggs, which can pose a health risk. This recipe uses mayonnaise, which is made with pasteurized eggs, making it safe to consume.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It’s best to assemble the salad right before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and croutons crunchy. You can prep ingredients separately and combine just before eating.

• What type of chicken works best for this salad?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. They grill easily, absorb marinades well, and provide lean protein for the salad.

• How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The meat should be white throughout with no pink areas.

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken meets zesty caesar salad in a Mediterranean-inspired culinary dance of fresh romaine, parmesan shavings, and crisp croutons. Robust flavors and light textures combine, inviting you to savor each refreshing bite of this classic dish.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise

Salad and Herbs:

• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/4 cup croutons (optional)

Marinade Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Dressing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Whisk together mayonnaise, garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to create a creamy, tangy Caesar dressing base.
2. Marinate chicken breasts in olive oil, salt, black pepper, and dried herbs, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated and allowed to absorb flavors for enhanced taste.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, preparing a clean and lightly oiled cooking surface to prevent sticking and achieve beautiful grill marks.
4. Grill the marinated chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes per side, rotating once to create crisp external char while maintaining juicy interior texture.
5. Rest the grilled chicken for 5 minutes to allow internal juices to redistribute, then slice into thin, diagonal strips.
6. Chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, ensuring crisp and fresh texture for the salad base.
7. Arrange lettuce on serving plates, strategically placing sliced grilled chicken on top for visual appeal.
8. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and homemade or store-bought croutons over the salad for added crunch and richness.
9. Drizzle prepared Caesar dressing generously, ensuring even coverage across the entire salad.
10. Optional: Garnish with extra black pepper, anchovy fillets, or a hard-boiled egg for enhanced protein and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Enhance the salad’s nutritional value by adding a hard-boiled egg for extra protein and richness.
• Easily make this dish celiac-friendly by swapping traditional croutons with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or cornmeal-based croutons.
• Lighten up the Caesar dressing by replacing half the mayonnaise with tangy Greek yogurt, reducing calories while maintaining creamy texture.
• Experiment with different protein options like grilled shrimp or tofu to suit various dietary preferences and keep the meal exciting.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg