Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe – Quick & Easy Parmesan Dressing

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe – Quick & Easy Parmesan Dressing

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just crave something fresh, satisfying, and easy. This Chicken Caesar Salad is exactly that. I first made this when I was trying to find a lighter meal option that still felt indulgent, and it’s been a family favorite ever since. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a light lunch, or even a summer gathering. Let’s get into it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average Caesar salad. It’s quick to whip up – ready in under 30 minutes! The homemade dressing is the star, bursting with flavor and so much better than anything store-bought. Plus, it’s customizable to your liking. Seriously, who doesn’t love a good, adaptable recipe?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Chicken Caesar Salad:

• 500 gm romaine lettuce
• 2 chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 brown bread slices, cubed
• As required grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp yogurt
• 1 tsp mustard sauce
• 0.5 tsp dried parsley
• 0.5 lemon (juice)

Ingredient Notes

A few little things that make a big difference in this recipe:

• Romaine Lettuce: Fresh, crisp romaine is key! Look for heads that are tightly packed and vibrant green. It really holds up to the dressing better.
• Parmesan Cheese: Don’t skimp on the Parmesan! Freshly grated is always best. The flavor is so much more complex and nutty.
• The Dressing: The balance of mayonnaise, yogurt, and lemon juice is what makes this dressing so special. It’s creamy, tangy, and utterly addictive. Feel free to adjust the lemon juice to your preference – I sometimes add a little extra for a brighter flavor.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, thinly slice the romaine lettuce, discarding any thick stems. Give it a good wash and set it aside to dry.
2. Season those chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Simple, but essential!
3. Heat the olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken on both sides until it’s cooked through – about 6-8 minutes total. Once cooked, set it aside to cool slightly.
4. While the chicken rests, let’s make some croutons! In the same grill pan, toast the cubed bread until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly.
5. Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips.
6. Now for the dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt, mustard sauce, dried parsley, and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good whisk until everything is nicely combined.
7. Divide the romaine lettuce into four bowls.
8. Top each bowl with the sliced chicken, crispy croutons, a generous drizzle of the dressing, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Dry Lettuce is Happy Lettuce: Make sure your lettuce is thoroughly dry before adding the dressing. Otherwise, it will get soggy. A salad spinner is your best friend here!
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Dry chicken is a Caesar salad killer. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Taste as You Go: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning in the dressing to your liking. A little extra lemon juice or a pinch of pepper can make all the difference.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Simply use gluten-free bread for the croutons. Easy peasy!
• Spice Level: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing for a little kick. My friend, Priya, loves this!
• Low-Fat Variation: Swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. It’s a healthier alternative without sacrificing too much flavor.
• Festival Adaptation: For a lighter option at summer gatherings, grill the chicken ahead of time and assemble the salads just before serving. Keeps everything nice and fresh.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Caesar Salad is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• Garlic bread
• A side of roasted vegetables
• A crisp glass of white wine (for the adults, of course!)

Storage Instructions

This salad is best enjoyed immediately. However, you can store the components separately:

• Lettuce: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Chicken: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Dressing: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Croutons: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Can I make the dressing ahead of time? Absolutely! The dressing actually tastes better after it’s had a chance to sit for a few hours.
• What is the best way to prevent the lettuce from browning? Make sure the lettuce is completely dry and store it in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.
• Can I use a different type of bread for the croutons? Yes, you can! Sourdough, baguette, or even whole wheat bread would all work well.
• Is it possible to grill the chicken indoors? Definitely! You can use a grill pan on your stovetop or even bake the chicken in the oven.
• What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese? Pecorino Romano is a good substitute, or you can even use nutritional yeast for a vegan option.