Crisp romaine lettuce along with parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons lay the foundation. Adding perfectly seasoned and cooked chicken breast transform this classic salad into a satisfying meal that’s both easy to make and a joy to eat. The homemade dressing, rich and tangy, brings everything together making it ideal for those days when you crave something light yet fulfilling. We have some great salad dinners here on GypsyPlate. Greek Steak Salad, Hawaiian Chicken Salad, and Farro Salad with Shrimp are just some of the many here. In line with our other lighter dinner ideas, here comes a very easy yet tasty chicken salad recipe. Some time back we posted our version of the very famous and classic Caesar Salad. It’s a great side dish, and in just a matter of a few minutes you can turn it into hearty main.
You Will Love This Salad For
Flavor Balance: The combination of juicy, seasoned chicken with crisp romaine lettuce and a creamy dressing offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Versatility: It’s great for a quick lunch or a light dinner. It’s Healthy: This salad is a wholesome meal, offering a good mix of protein, greens, and healthy fats. Easiness: It’s straightforward to make and doesn’t require a lot of complicated steps or ingredients.
Where Did Caesar Salads Originate?
The Caesar salad was first created in Tijuana, Mexico, by restaurateur Caesar Cardini in 1924. So the story goes, during a big rush on 4th of July, the kitchen supplies were depleted. Cardini made due with what he had left, dramatically tossing his new creation together at the patrons’ tables. His restaurant, Caesar’s, was visited by a young Julia Child. It is still open to this day, and the signature salads are still prepared tableside.
Ingredient Notes
For the Chicken:
Chicken: We are using boneless skinless breasts today, but you can also use thighs. Olive Oil: Regular olive oil for cooking. Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, thyme. Adjust to taste.
For the Salad:
Romaine Lettuce: Fresh, crisp leaves. Croutons: Homemade or store bought. Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for garnish.
For the Dressing:
Olive Oil: Extra virgin for rich flavor. Egg Yolks: Can be substituted with mayonnaise if you prefer not to eat raw egg. Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is always best. Dijon Mustard: For tanginess. Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth. Garlic: Fresh, finely minced. Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated. Anchovies: Essential for classic Caesar flavor. Salt and Pepper: Adjust according to taste
Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe
- Cook the Chicken:
Mix chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and thyme. Rub the mixture over the chicken. Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook undisturbed for 3-5 minutes until browned on one side. Flip and cook for another 5-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let it cool, then slice.
- Whip up the Dressing:
Blend olive oil, egg yolks, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic cloves, shredded parmesan cheese, and anchovies until smooth. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Salad:
Toss torn romaine lettuce with the dressing in a large bowl. Add croutons and garnish with extra shredded parmesan cheese and freshly cracked pepper. Place the sliced chicken on top of the salad and serve.
Alpana’s Tips
Possible Variations
Protein Variations: Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp, fish, or your favorite steak. Avocado Caesar: Blend in some avocado with the dressing for a creamier version. Yogurt-Based: Substitute part of the olive oil with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing. Spicy Kick: Marinate the chicken in a spicy seasoning blend like Creole seasoning, fajita seasoning, shawarma seasoning or taco seasoning. Add Veggies: Although Caesar salads are known for their simplicity, you can add other veggies if you like. We think cherry tomatoes, avocado, marinated artichokes and black olives would all go great.
Leftovers and Storage
We recommend only making as much salad as will be eaten fresh, as the lettuce will get soggy if stored coated with dressing. Avoid mixing all the components if you plan on storing leftovers. Combine the ingredients just before serving to enjoy the best texture and freshness. Any leftover Caesar dressing should be immediately refrigerated in an airtight container. As it contains raw eggs, leftovers should be used within 2-3 days. If you use the mayonnaise substitute, it can be stretched to 5 days. Keep the cooked chicken in a separate airtight container in the fridge. It should stay good for 3-4 days. If you have a bunch left over, take a look at our roundup of leftover chicken recipes for usage inspiration. Wrapping it up, this Chicken Caesar Salad is not just tasty, but it’s also easy and healthy. It’s got lean chicken for protein, crisp lettuce for freshness, and a yummy dressing that brings it all together. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that’s good for you, too. So, go ahead and enjoy this salad – it’s a delicious way to keep up with healthy eating!
Chicken Caesar Salad, in our Gypsy Bowl… enjoy!
Try these other great salad recipes:Jennifer Aniston SaladIsraeli Couscous SaladWedge SaladMango SaladGreek SaladMexican Elote SaladBalela Salad
