Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

This Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is a real show stopper, perfect for a summer lunch or a light alfresco dinner. It isn’t usually made with toasted walnuts—classic croutons are the standard crunch—but we’ve added them here for a lovely nutty depth that pairs beautifully with the parmesan. To make the dressing extra creamy without splitting, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before blending. Not traditional, maybe, but very delicious.

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Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe Ingredients

• For the Grilled Chicken:
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
• For the Caesar Dressing:
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 3 oil-packed anchovy fillets
  • 1 egg yolk
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp grated Parmesan
• For Serving:
  • 3–4 romaine hearts
  • Shaved Parmesan
  • 1/4 cup toasted walnuts
  • Fresh ground black pepper

How To Make Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

1. Marinate the chicken: In a shallow dish or Ziploc bag, combine the chicken breasts, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and the juice of 1 lemon. Toss to coat and let it sit for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the other components.
2. Blend the dressing: In a tall cup or jar suitable for an immersion blender, combine the minced garlic, anchovies, egg yolk, lemon juice, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, grated Parmesan, olive oil, and vegetable oil. Blend on high until the mixture is thick, creamy, and fully emulsified. Refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Grill the chicken: Preheat a grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and season generously with salt and pepper. Grill for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal). Transfer to a board and rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
4. Prep the greens: Wash and thoroughly dry the romaine hearts. Chop them into bite-sized pieces or leave the leaves whole for a rustic look.
5. Assemble: Place the romaine in a large bowl or on a platter. Top with the sliced grilled chicken, shaved Parmesan, and toasted walnuts. Drizzle generously with the Caesar dressing and finish with plenty of fresh ground black pepper.

Recipe Tips

• The Anchovy Fear: Don’t skip the anchovies! They melt into the dressing and provide that signature savory “umami” punch that defines a true Caesar. You won’t taste fish; you’ll just taste deliciousness.
• Dry Your Greens: You must dry the lettuce thoroughly after washing (use a salad spinner). If the leaves are wet, the creamy dressing will slide right off, leaving you with a watery, flavorless salad.
• Rest the Meat: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling before you slice it. If you slice it hot, the juices will run out onto the board (and your salad), leaving the meat dry.
• Oil Blend: Using a mix of olive oil and vegetable oil is a pro move. Pure extra virgin olive oil can become bitter when blitzed in a high-speed blender; cutting it with neutral oil keeps the flavor smooth.

What To Serve With Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

This Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe is a protein-packed meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with warm breads. A slice of Garlic Bread or fluffy Focaccia is perfect for wiping the bowl clean. For a lighter pairing, serve it alongside a bowl of Minestrone Soup or Tomato Basil Soup. If you are serving this for dinner, a glass of buttery Chardonnay complements the rich, creamy dressing and smoky grilled chicken perfectly.

How To Store Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store the dressing, chicken, and lettuce in separate containers. The dressing keeps for up to 1 week. The chicken keeps for 3 days.
• Leftovers: Once dressed, the salad will become soggy within a few hours. Only dress the amount you plan to eat immediately.
• Freeze: Do not freeze the salad or the dressing. The emulsion in the dressing will break, and the lettuce will turn to mush.

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 580 kcal
• Fat: 42g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 38g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving.

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