Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

Crisp romaine lettuce and savory grilled chicken elevate this chicken Caesar salad to a timeless favorite you’ll always want at the heart of your lunch table. It’s delicious with a warm garlic breadstick, a bowl of creamy tomato soup, extra cracked black pepper, a glass of chilled iced tea; in fact most things.

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Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe Ingredients

• 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce (thoroughly washed and dried)
• 1 lb cooked chicken breast, sliced thin
• 1/2 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup seasoned croutons
• 1/4 cup creamy Caesar dressing (high-quality bottled or homemade)
• Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)

How To Make Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

1. Prep your greens: Start by preparing the romaine lettuce. It is vital to wash the leaves in cold water to ensure they are crisp. After washing, dry them thoroughly using a salad spinner or by patting them down with clean paper towels. Soggy lettuce is a bummer because it prevents the dressing from sticking; once dry, chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces.
2. Slice the chicken: Take your cooked chicken breast—whether it’s leftover from last night’s dinner, a rotisserie chicken, or freshly grilled. Slice the breast thinly against the grain to ensure every piece is tender. While cold chicken works perfectly for a refreshing salad, serving the chicken slightly warm provides a lovely temperature contrast to the cold greens.
3. Assemble the foundation: In a large, wide mixing bowl, pile in your prepared romaine lettuce. Place the sliced chicken on top of the greens. Using a large bowl allows you plenty of space to toss the ingredients without losing any over the sides.
4. Add the savory elements: Sprinkle the finely shredded parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken and lettuce. Don’t be shy with the cheese; a little extra always helps build that signature salty, umami flavor profile that defines a great Caesar salad.
5. Top for texture: Add the seasoned croutons to the bowl. It is best to do this right before you are ready to eat to ensure they maintain their maximum crunch and don’t absorb moisture from the other ingredients.
6. Dress and finish: Drizzle the creamy Caesar dressing over the top. You can go light or heavy depending on your personal preference. If you’re feeling wild, use salad tongs to toss everything together until every leaf is perfectly coated, or leave the dressing on top for a more composed look. Finish with a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper.

Recipe Tips

• The Drying Secret: The most important step in any salad is ensuring the leaves are bone-dry. If there is water left on the romaine, the oil-based dressing will slide right off and pool at the bottom of the bowl.
• Cheese Quality: If possible, use a block of Parmesan-Reggiano and shred it yourself. The pre-shredded stuff often has anti-caking agents that can make the texture a bit grainy.
• Warm vs. Cold: If you have the time, slightly pan-searing your pre-cooked chicken slices for 30 seconds per side makes the salad feel like a restaurant-quality meal.
• Dressing Distribution: For a perfectly dressed salad, drizzle the dressing around the sides of the bowl rather than just in the center. This makes it easier to coat every leaf evenly when tossing.

What To Serve With Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe?

This Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe is a light, satisfying meal that needs a warm or savory pairing! A Garlic Herb Breadstick is the quintessential choice for a crunchy, buttery side. For a more filling lunch, a cup of Roasted Tomato Basil Soup adds a lovely warmth that pairs perfectly with the cold salad! A side of Lemon-Garlic Roasted Broccoli or a glass of Crisp White Wine pairs wonderfully with the salty parmesan and creamy dressing notes.

How To Store Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

• Refrigerate: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. However, once the salad is dressed, the lettuce will begin to wilt.
• Keep it Fresh: For meal prepping, store the chopped romaine, sliced chicken, cheese, and dressing in separate containers. Combine them only when you are ready to eat to maintain the best texture.
• Crouton Care: Never store croutons in the fridge with the salad, as they will turn soft. Keep them in a dry pantry at room temperature.

Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 310 kcal (per serving)
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on dressing and crouton brands.

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