Craving a classic that never disappoints? This Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad recipe delivers a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen. We combine juicy, perfectly charred chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, savory Parmesan, and crunchy homemade croutons, all tossed in a creamy, tangy Caesar dressing you can whip up in minutes. It’s the ultimate main course salad that’s satisfying, packed with flavor, and surprisingly simple to make.
Forget the bottled dressing and pre-cooked chicken strips. Once you try this fresh, vibrant version, you’ll never go back. It’s the perfect solution for a light yet filling weeknight dinner or an impressive lunch for guests.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
This isn’t just another salad recipe; it’s a guide to creating a truly memorable meal. It’s a versatile dish that works as a standalone dinner or a hearty lunch, making it a go-to for any occasion.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of smoky grilled chicken, a bold and creamy garlic dressing, and sharp Parmesan cheese is simply irresistible.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this impressive salad comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the dressing to your liking or add extra toppings. This recipe is a fantastic blueprint for your perfect salad.
- Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with protein and fresh greens, it’s a meal that nourishes you and keeps you full.
Key Ingredients for Success
The magic of this salad lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring it all together.
For the Grilled Chicken
- Chicken Breasts: Two boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide the perfect lean protein base.
- Olive Oil: Helps to keep the chicken moist and prevents it from sticking to the grill.
- Seasoning: A simple mix of garlic powder, salt, and black pepper is all you need to complement the other flavors.
For the Creamy Caesar Dressing
- Mayonnaise & Greek Yogurt: We use a combination for a creamy base that’s lighter than a traditional dressing.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is a must for that bright, citrusy kick.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy depth of flavor.
- Anchovy Paste: The secret to authentic Caesar flavor! It provides a savory, umami depth you can’t get from anything else.
- Garlic: A fresh clove, minced, gives the dressing its signature aromatic bite.
- Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated for a sharp, nutty taste that melts into the dressing.
For the Salad and Croutons
- Romaine Lettuce: The classic choice for its sturdy, crisp leaves that hold up to the creamy dressing.
- Rustic Bread: A day-old baguette or ciabatta is perfect for making crispy, golden-brown croutons.
- Shaved Parmesan: For garnishing the finished salad.
How to Make The Perfect Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping salad. We’ll start with the croutons, whip up the dressing, grill the chicken, and then toss it all together.
Step 1: Make the Homemade Croutons
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut your bread into 1-inch cubes and toss them in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden and crisp. For another delicious option, check out this recipe for steak and shrimp foil packets that also masters simple seasoning.
Step 2: Prepare the Caesar Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste, and minced garlic. Stir in the finely grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips. If you love grilled meals, you might also enjoy this easy grilled shrimp bowl.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce with about half of the Caesar dressing and toss gently to coat. Add the homemade croutons and half of the shaved Parmesan, and toss again. Divide the salad among plates, top with the sliced grilled chicken, and garnish with the remaining shaved Parmesan. Serve immediately!
Pro Tips for Restaurant-Quality Results
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to a perfect 165°F. This guarantees it will be juicy, not dry.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can make the dressing gritty. Grating it fresh from a block makes a world of difference.
- Wash and Dry Your Greens Thoroughly: For the crispiest salad and the best dressing adhesion, make sure your romaine is completely dry. A salad spinner is your best friend here.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this classic Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is fantastic as is, feel free to make it your own!
- Add Bacon: Crumbled bacon bits add a salty, smoky crunch.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning or the dressing for a little heat.
- Swap the Protein: This salad is also delicious with grilled shrimp or salmon. A hearty chicken cheesesteak sandwich is another great way to enjoy savory chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. While anchovies provide a traditional savory, umami flavor, you can omit them for a ‘friendlier’ version. To compensate, you can add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or a bit of mashed capers to get a similar salty depth.
It’s best to store the components separately to prevent the lettuce from becoming soggy. Keep the dressing, chicken, and greens in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Assemble just before serving.
Yes, it can be a very healthy and balanced meal. It’s rich in protein from the chicken and vitamins from the romaine lettuce. Our version uses Greek yogurt in the dressing to reduce fat and calories while maintaining a creamy texture.
This salad is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs nicely with a side of garlic bread, a cup of soup like tomato bisque, or a light pasta dish.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most popular choice as they are lean and easy to grill. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs also work wonderfully; they are juicier and have a richer flavor.
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
We hope you love this easy Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad recipe! It proves that simple, fresh ingredients can create an incredibly satisfying meal. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think. We love hearing from you!
For more recipe inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest. Happy cooking!
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad (Restaurant-Style at Home)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss bread cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden and crisp.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, anchovy paste, and minced garlic. Stir in the finely grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Preheat grill to medium-high. Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, until cooked through (165°F/74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
- In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine with about half of the dressing. Add croutons and half of the shaved Parmesan, and toss again. Divide among plates, top with sliced grilled chicken, and garnish with remaining Parmesan.
Notes
Ensure romaine lettuce is completely dry for a crisp salad and to help the dressing adhere better.
A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
