Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
A crisp, hearty salad with grilled chicken, romaine, Parmesan, croutons, and bold Caesar dressing, perfect for weeknight dinners or light lunches.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces Grilled chicken breasts, sliced Use rotisserie chicken or pan-seared chicken if not pre-grilled
- 6 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped Substitute baby romaine or mixed greens for a milder texture
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing Use homemade dressing for brighter flavor or low-fat store-bought for fewer calories
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese Swap for Pecorino Romano for saltier, sharper notes
- 1 cup Croutons Make garlic croutons from day-old bread for extra crunch
- To taste Salt and pepper Use finishing salt like flaky sea salt for texture
- Optional Lemon wedges Add a squeeze for brightness just before serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Toss the chopped romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing in a large bowl until evenly coated.
- Chill the dressed lettuce briefly if preparing ahead to keep it crisp and cold before plating.
Assembly
- Arrange the sliced grilled chicken breasts on top of the dressed lettuce in an even layer.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly across the salad so each bite contains savory richness.
- Scatter croutons over the top to add crunchy texture and absorb some dressing for balanced bites.
Serving
- Season the assembled salad with salt and pepper to taste, keeping seasoning light to allow the dressing to shine.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired, encouraging a quick squeeze for added brightness.
Notes
Slice the chicken across the grain into thin, consistent pieces for tender mouthfeel. Chill the romaine before tossing to improve crunch; use high-quality Parmesan and grate it fresh. Toast croutons with garlic and olive oil for better texture and flavor.