Grilled chicken Caesar salad—what’s not to love? It’s like a summer picnic on a plate, even if it’s the middle of January and snow is piling up outside. The smoky, charred chicken pairs so perfectly with crisp romaine and that creamy, tangy dressing—it’s like they were meant for each other. Plus, you can always throw in some homemade croutons for a bit of crunch, or skip them entirely if you’re feeling rebellious.
Steps
- Distribute the chopped romaine lettuce evenly onto four serving plates, ensuring each plate has a generous base.
- Place the pre-cooked, sliced chicken breast strips on top of the lettuce, dividing them equally among the plates.
- Sprinkle the finely shredded Parmesan cheese over the chicken and lettuce, ensuring an even distribution of the cheese.
- Add the seasoned croutons to each plate, providing a crunchy texture to the salad.
- Drizzle the creamy Caesar dressing over the assembled ingredients, allowing it to coat the lettuce, chicken, and croutons.
- If desired, serve the salad with a lemon wedge on the side for an optional fresh, tangy flavor enhancement.
Ingredients
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce, tightly packed
- 1 pound cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- ½ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup seasoned croutons
- ¼ cup creamy Caesar dressing
Nutritional Values
Total Calories: 1332 | Total Fat: 68g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 360mg | Sodium: 1540mg | Total Carbohydrate: 24g | Dietary Fiber: 8g | Total Sugars: 4g | Protein: 144g | Vitamin C: 80mg | Calcium: 188mg | Iron: 8mg | Potassium: 1676mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?
- Yes, you can replace the chicken with sliced, cooked steak if you prefer a different protein.
- What kind of Caesar dressing is recommended for this recipe?
- While the recipe suggests using a creamy Caesar dressing like Kraft, feel free to use your favorite brand or even a homemade version, as the dressing significantly influences the final taste.
- Are there any suggested additions to enhance the salad?
- You can add ingredients like green onions, bacon bits, or sliced almonds for extra flavor and texture.
- How can I make homemade croutons for this salad?
- To make homemade croutons, simply season bread cubes with garlic powder, olive oil, and parsley before baking them until crispy.
- Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
- The salad contains 6 grams of carbs per serving, making it a relatively low-carb option, but be sure to check the carbohydrate content of any additional ingredients you add.
Tips
- Consider using your favorite Caesar dressing, whether store-bought or homemade, as its flavor can significantly enhance the overall taste of the salad.
- Season the chicken with Italian herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese while cooking to add an extra layer of flavor that complements the salad.
- For a twist, try replacing chicken with sliced, cooked steak, or add toppings like green onions, bacon bits, or sliced almonds for added texture and taste.
- Make homemade croutons by seasoning bread cubes with garlic powder, olive oil, and parsley before baking to provide a fresh and personalized touch.
Equipment
- Salad Spinner: Useful for cleaning and drying the romaine lettuce efficiently.
- Chef’s Knife: Essential for chopping lettuce and slicing cooked chicken breasts.
- Cutting Board: Needed for a clean and stable surface to chop ingredients.
- Mixing Bowl: Helpful for tossing the salad if you prefer to mix before serving.
- Tongs: Handy for serving the salad onto plates.
- Grater or Microplane: Necessary if you choose to grate fresh Parmesan cheese.
