Some recipes find their way into your weekly rotation not because they’re extravagant, but because they feel just right. That’s exactly how I feel about this Low Carb Caesar Salad with Chicken. It’s more than a quick and healthy lunch—it’s comfort in a bowl, with just the right balance of creamy, crunchy, savory, and satisfying.

I still remember the first time I made a Caesar salad from scratch. It was in my tiny apartment kitchen during a rainy spring, trying to recreate the crisp salads I loved from my favorite neighborhood café. But instead of the carb-heavy croutons and bottled dressing, I wanted something lighter, fresher—and truly homemade. This recipe was born out of that craving, and over time, it has become my go-to for potlucks, work lunches, and even Sunday meal prep.

Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle, watching your carbs, or just craving a hearty salad with real flavor, this low carb twist on the classic Caesar never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Caesar Salad with Chicken

• Classic Flavor, Low Carb Style: You get all the creamy, garlicky, umami-packed dressing you love, without the added sugars or carbs found in many store-bought versions.
• Quick to Prepare: This is a complete meal in just 20 minutes—perfect for a busy day or a satisfying dinner after a long one.
• Great for Meal Prep: Cook the chicken and prep the dressing in advance so you can build your salad in minutes whenever hunger strikes.
• Customizable & Family-Friendly: Not everyone at the table doing low carb? No problem. Serve with garlic bread or roasted potatoes on the side for others while you stay low carb.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

For the Salad:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan crisps

For the Homemade Caesar Dressing:

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 anchovy fillets
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of salt

How to Make Low Carb Caesar Salad with Chicken

This salad has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s easy, dependable, and never boring. Here’s how to bring it to life in your own home.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Make the Creamy Caesar Dressing

In a blender or food processor, combine the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, anchovy fillets, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and salt. Blend until smooth. The result is a velvety, umami-rich dressing with a zesty kick from the lemon and garlic.

Personal Tip: I always double the dressing and store it in the fridge—it keeps for a week and goes great on roasted veggies or as a dip.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.

Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices in and gives you tender, flavorful chicken every time.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, toss chopped romaine with the grated Parmesan cheese and Parmesan crisps. Lay the sliced chicken on top and drizzle generously with the dressing.

Give everything a gentle toss just before serving so each bite is coated in that creamy Caesar goodness.

HELPFUL TIPS

• Anchovy Boost: Don’t skip the anchovies—they add authentic Caesar flavor and blend smoothly into the dressing.
• Meal Prep Win: Store the salad ingredients separately in airtight containers. This way, your lettuce stays crisp and your dressing fresh.
• More Veggies? Yes Please! Add avocado, cherry tomatoes, or cucumber to bulk up the salad while keeping it low carb.

DETAILS

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Carb, Keto

NOTES

• This low carb Caesar salad with chicken is ideal for weekday lunches and also elegant enough to serve at dinner parties with low carb guests.
• Use turkey ham or grilled shrimp as alternate protein options.
• To make it dairy-free, try a vegan Parmesan and avocado oil-based mayo.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (Per Serving)

• Calories: 531
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Net Carbs: 4g
• Fat: 41g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I make the dressing without anchovies?
Yes, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor. A dash of coconut aminos or Worcestershire sauce can be a decent substitute.

What kind of lettuce works best?
Romaine hearts are ideal—they’re sturdy and crisp enough to hold up to the creamy dressing without wilting.

Is this salad kid-friendly?
Definitely! If your kids are picky, you can skip the anchovies and serve the dressing on the side.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS

• Chicken: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Dressing: Keep refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to 7 days.
• Lettuce: Wash and store in a salad spinner or a dry paper towel-lined container to keep crisp for 3–4 days.

Related Recipes:

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken: A Flavorful Summer Tradition
• Healthy Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast
• Classic Pasta Salad
• Mozzarella Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce

CONCLUSION

There’s something incredibly satisfying about recreating a restaurant-style Caesar salad in your own kitchen—especially when it’s packed with flavor and low on carbs. This Low Carb Caesar Salad with Chicken delivers everything you crave: crispy lettuce, juicy chicken, bold homemade dressing, and that salty crunch from Parmesan crisps. It’s wholesome, fast, and endlessly adaptable.

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