Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is tender grilled chicken breasts tossed with homemade garlic croutons, caesar dressing made from scratch, and fresh romaine lettuce. Whether you serve it as a hearty side dish, a tasty appetizer, or a nutritious meal, this salad is as easy as it is mouthwatering!

Craving more flavorful salads? Try my Grinder Salad, Savory Kale Salad, and this Deconstructed Burger Salad next.

Jump to:

• WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS GRILLED CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD RECIPE
• Ingredients
• How to Make Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
• Recipe Variations
• How to Store Leftovers
• FAQ
• Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

I can guarantee you haven't had a grilled chicken caesar salad like this! After making this, you'll never look at store-bought bagged salads the same.

Made with all fresh ingredients, from scratch, you can taste the difference. Crisp romaine hearts, juicy, succulent grilled chicken breasts, a zesty caesar salad dressing, and delectable, crunchy croutons come together to make this the best grilled chicken caesar salad recipe!

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS GRILLED CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD RECIPE

• An Elevated Classic. Classic caesar salad is good but this is downright delicious! Grilled chicken and homemade croutons take the flavor and texture to another level.
• Easy Prep. With simple instructions, you're just a few simple steps from a fantastic lunch or dinner. Even though the main components are made from scratch, it's on the table in just 30 minutes.
• Better than Prepackaged Salads. Skip the store-bought stuff! Made with fresh ingredients, the dressing and croutons aren't packed with sodium and fillers so the taste is unmatched.

Ingredients

Here's a breakdown of the ingredients I used to make grilled chicken caesar salad. Feel free to use what you want, and omit what you feel isn't necessary.

Homemade Caesar Dressing

My homemade dressing omits the classic egg yolk for a lighter sauce that still captures the essence of caesar salad dressing.

1. Mayo. The creamy base of the salad dressing. Use a high-quality one. (This replaces the egg yolks.)
2. Dijon Mustard. This adds a delightful tang but also emulsifies the other ingredients.
3. Worcestershire Sauce. This adds a briny taste.
4. Anchovy Paste. When I first realized caesar salad included anchovies I was shocked but there's no fishy taste. However, it does provide fantastic umami flavor.
5. Lemon Juice. This brightens the dressing.
6. Sugar. This slight sweetness balances the other flavors.
7. Pepper. For a touch of spice.
8. Parmesan Cheese. This is essential to any caesar salad recipe so don't skip it.

Homemade Garlic Croutons

1. Crusty Bread. Use your favorite. I suggest sourdough or focaccia bread.
2. Olive Oil. Coat the bread chunks in this so they brown and toast.
3. Fresh Parsley. Chopped.
4. Garlic Paste. Use fresh minced garlic as an alternative.
5. Salt + Pepper. To taste.

Lemon Grilled Chicken Breasts

1. Chicken Breasts. Use the boneless, skinless variety. Pound them if they're thick, so they're thin and will cook evenly and faster.
2. Small Lemon. This adds a burst of fresh, citrus flavor.
3. Salt. Use smoked salt for a smoky element.
4. Season All. For salty and savory flavors.
5. Cooking Oil. Use olive oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil.

Additional Ingredients

1. Romaine Lettuce. Hearts of romaine lettuce is the base of your salad. Make sure it's fresh.
2. Fresh Sliced Parmesan. This is the perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Begin with the garlicky caesar dressing. Then pop croutons in the oven while you prepare the chicken breasts. After that, all you have to do is assemble your easy grilled chicken caesar salad.

Prepare Homemade Caesar Dressing

In a small or medium-sized bowl, combine all dressing ingredients except sugar and pepper. Whisk until thoroughly combined and add sugar and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until use.

Prepare Homemade Garlic Croutons

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Slice bread into bite-sized pieces and place in a medium bowl. Then add garlic, oil, parsley, salt, and pepper and stir until well combined. 

Place croutons on a lined baking sheet and bake for 3-5 minutes until desired consistency. 

Lemon Grilled Chicken Breasts 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. On lined paper to protect the cooking surface, pound chicken breasts to one inch thick (if thick) and season with salt and season all. 

In a grilling (or sautéing) pan, place 1 teaspoon of cooking oil and sear chicken breasts on one side for 3-5 minutes. Flip and squeeze lemon juice over the chicken and place in the oven for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

Once chicken breasts are done, set aside to let rest.

Assemble Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

In a large mixing bowl place romaine lettuce, sliced parmesan, croutons, 2-3 tablespoons of dressing, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper and mix using tongs or your hands. 

Place sliced chicken breasts on top of the salad and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

• Dairy-Free. Use vegan parmesan cheese.
• Grilled Romaine Lettuce. Grilling the lettuce adds a smoky depth to the flavor of the salad. Just drizzle them with olive oil and your preferred seasonings and grill. They'll still be crunchy too! Keep the root attached so leaves aren't all over the grill or pan.
• Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap. Take all of this deliciousness and put it in a tortilla wrap for a meal on the go.
• Chicken Thighs. Instead of chicken breast, try boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They are naturally juicy and have a rich flavor. They also cook a little faster than bigger, thicker chicken breasts.

How to Store Leftovers

Store the leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

FAQ

Is grilled chicken caesar salad healthy?

Although there are lighter salad options, grilled chicken caesar salad is still a healthy meal. Grilled chicken adds protein and romaine hearts are packed with vitamins and nutrients and are high in minerals like calcium and potassium.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Although this is best prepared fresh, specific components can be made in advance. Make the salad dressing beforehand and store it in an airtight container in the jar for up to one week. The grilled chicken and homemade garlic croutons can also be made ahead. Store the chicken in the fridge and the croutons in an airtight container at room temperature. Wait until the day of to actually assemble the salad.

I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS GRILLED CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD RECIPE!

If you try this recipe, I'd love to see it! Share it with me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.