Description
Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing is a classic and satisfying dish featuring crisp Romaine lettuce, juicy grilled chicken, crunchy croutons, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Tossed in a rich, creamy, and tangy homemade Caesar dressing, this salad makes a delicious and complete meal or side dish. Perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or an impressive starter.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 large head Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
For the Homemade Caesar Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
- 4 anchovy fillets, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon anchovy paste, optional)
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken:
- Preheat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Make the Caesar dressing:
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and anchovy fillets (if using).
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Gradually whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped Romaine lettuce, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add the sliced grilled chicken on top.
- Toss and serve:
- Drizzle the homemade Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper if desired.
Notes
- For a shortcut, you can use store-bought Caesar dressing, but homemade dressing elevates the flavor.
- To make homemade croutons, toss cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes.
- Leftover salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, but it’s best enjoyed fresh to keep the lettuce crisp.
- For a healthier version, grill the chicken with minimal oil and use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American