There’s something truly satisfying about a well-made Caesar salad, and when you add perfectly grilled chicken, it becomes a hearty and delicious meal. This Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is a go-to for warm weather, when grilling brings out the best smoky flavors, and crisp romaine provides the perfect crunch. It’s a dish that feels both light and filling, making it a great option for lunch, dinner, or even a meal-prep favorite.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just want a quick and wholesome meal, this recipe has everything you need—juicy, flavorful chicken, crisp greens, crunchy croutons, and a creamy, garlicky dressing that ties it all together. Let’s dive in and make this classic salad even better!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for warm weather – A fresh, crisp salad with smoky grilled chicken is the ultimate summer meal.
- Quick and easy – With just a few simple steps, you can have a restaurant-quality salad on your table.
- Great for meal prep – Grill extra chicken and store it for easy lunches throughout the week.
- Balanced and satisfying – Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this dish is as nourishing as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Salad:
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated
- 1 cup croutons
For the Caesar Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil’
How to Make Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken to infuse it with flavor. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, paprika, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. This blend gives the chicken a savory, slightly tangy taste that pairs beautifully with the salad.
Rub the marinade all over the chicken breasts, making sure they are evenly coated. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour if you have the time. This allows the flavors to soak in and ensures juicy, flavorful chicken.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The outside should have a nice golden-brown sear while staying juicy inside.
Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
Step 3: Make the Caesar Dressing
While the chicken is resting, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to create a smooth and creamy dressing.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like a tangier dressing, add a bit more lemon juice. For extra richness, sprinkle in a little more Parmesan.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with half of the dressing until it’s evenly coated. Add the croutons and Parmesan cheese, then gently toss again.
Slice the grilled chicken into thin strips and lay them over the salad. Drizzle with the remaining dressing, then finish with a little extra Parmesan on top for that final touch.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while the chicken is warm, and enjoy the perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and crunchy textures in every bite.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t skip resting the chicken – Letting it sit after grilling keeps it juicy.
- Use fresh Parmesan – It makes a big difference in flavor and texture compared to pre-packaged shredded cheese.
- Homemade croutons are a game changer – If you have extra bread, toss it with olive oil, garlic powder, and bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.
- Grill the romaine for extra flavor – Lightly grilling the lettuce for about 30 seconds adds a smoky, charred touch to your salad.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using GF croutons)
Notes
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be prepped ahead by grilling the chicken in advance and storing it separately.
- The dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and kept in the fridge.
- For extra protein, add a hard-boiled egg or some chickpeas.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! If you have leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken, this salad is a great way to use it.
How do I make this salad dairy-free?
Simply omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. You can also make a dairy-free Caesar dressing by replacing Greek yogurt with a plant-based option.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
If you plan to save leftovers, store the salad, chicken, and dressing separately to keep everything fresh. The grilled chicken will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing in a sealed jar for up to a week.
- Meal Prep Tip: Assemble the salad ingredients without the dressing and add it just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, here are a few more fresh and flavorful dishes to try:
- Healthy Avocado Chicken Salad
- Avocado Pasta Salad – Creamy, Fresh, and Oh-So Delicious!
- Turkey Taco Salad
- BBQ Chicken Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing
Conclusion
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is a classic for a reason—it’s fresh, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a must-try. With smoky grilled chicken, crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and a creamy homemade dressing, every bite is a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
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Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
Description
There’s something truly satisfying about a well-made Caesar salad, and when you add perfectly grilled chicken, it becomes a hearty and delicious meal. This Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is a go-to for warm weather, when grilling brings out the best smoky flavors, and crisp romaine provides the perfect crunch. It’s a dish that feels both light and filling, making it a great option for lunch, dinner, or even a meal-prep favorite.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just want a quick and wholesome meal, this recipe has everything you need—juicy, flavorful chicken, crisp greens, crunchy croutons, and a creamy, garlicky dressing that ties it all together. Let’s dive in and make this classic salad even better!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Salad:
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated
- 1 cup croutons
For the Caesar Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken to infuse it with flavor. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, paprika, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. This blend gives the chicken a savory, slightly tangy taste that pairs beautifully with the salad.
Rub the marinade all over the chicken breasts, making sure they are evenly coated. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour if you have the time. This allows the flavors to soak in and ensures juicy, flavorful chicken.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The outside should have a nice golden-brown sear while staying juicy inside.
Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
Step 3: Make the Caesar Dressing
While the chicken is resting, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to create a smooth and creamy dressing.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like a tangier dressing, add a bit more lemon juice. For extra richness, sprinkle in a little more Parmesan.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with half of the dressing until it’s evenly coated. Add the croutons and Parmesan cheese, then gently toss again.
Slice the grilled chicken into thin strips and lay them over the salad. Drizzle with the remaining dressing, then finish with a little extra Parmesan on top for that final touch.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while the chicken is warm, and enjoy the perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and crunchy textures in every bite.
Notes
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be prepped ahead by grilling the chicken in advance and storing it separately.
- The dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and kept in the fridge.
- For extra protein, add a hard-boiled egg or some chickpeas.
