This Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad offers a satisfying and flavorful meal, combining juicy grilled chicken breasts, crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a creamy Caesar dressing. It is an ideal choice for both a light lunch or a more filling dinner. The addition of Cajun-seasoned chicken provides a smoky depth to the dish, enhancing the traditional Caesar salad experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Flavorful Grilled Chicken: The Cajun-spiced chicken offers a robust, smoky flavor that elevates the salad, creating a hearty yet balanced meal.
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Quick and Convenient: With a total preparation and cooking time of just 40 minutes, this dish is suitable for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely weekend meal.
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Highly Customizable: While the recipe features chicken, the salad can be adapted to suit a variety of preferences. Consider incorporating ingredients like avocado, grilled shrimp, or tofu for different flavor profiles or dietary needs.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Salad:
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1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
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2 heads romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
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1 cup croutons
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⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (plus additional for garnish)
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Lemon wedges for serving
For the Caesar Dressing:
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½ cup mayonnaise
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1 clove garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
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2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Prepare the Chicken: Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with olive oil and Cajun seasoning. Grill over medium heat, cooking each side for 6-7 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest before slicing.
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Make the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate the dressing to allow the flavors to meld.
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Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, toss the romaine lettuce, croutons, and shredded Parmesan cheese with the chilled Caesar dressing.
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Serve: Top the salad with the sliced grilled chicken. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
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Protein Substitutes: If desired, replace the grilled chicken with alternative proteins such as grilled shrimp, steak, or tofu, depending on dietary preferences.
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Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and incorporate additional vegetables like avocado or roasted tomatoes to provide a fresh and hearty texture.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover salad, excluding the dressing, in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The Caesar dressing can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It is recommended to keep the croutons separate to maintain their crunch.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought dressing?
Yes, for convenience, store-bought Caesar dressing can be used in place of homemade dressing.
Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Romaine lettuce is traditional, but alternatives like mixed greens, spinach, or kale can be used to alter the texture and flavor.
How can I increase the spiciness of the chicken?
For additional heat, increase the amount of Cajun seasoning or incorporate chili flakes or hot sauce into the seasoning blend.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Certain components, such as the grilled chicken and dressing, can be prepared ahead of time. However, for optimal freshness, it is best to assemble the salad just before serving to preserve the crispness of the lettuce and croutons.
Can I use leftover grilled chicken?
Yes, leftover grilled chicken works well in this recipe and can be added directly to the salad for a quick meal.
Conclusion
The Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish, combining the rich, smoky flavor of Cajun-spiced grilled chicken with the creamy tang of Caesar dressing. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also versatile, allowing for a range of substitutions to suit varying tastes and dietary preferences. It’s a perfect addition to any meal plan, whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a fresh, flavorful lunch.
Print
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad combines smoky Cajun-seasoned chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a creamy homemade Caesar dressing. It’s a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a healthy lunch or a hearty dinner. Ready in just 40 minutes, this salad can also be customized with different proteins to suit your taste!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
2 heads romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
1 cup croutons
⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (plus additional for garnish)
Lemon wedges for serving
For the Caesar Dressing:
½ cup mayonnaise
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with olive oil and Cajun seasoning. Grill over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest before slicing.
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Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld.
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Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the romaine lettuce, croutons, and shredded Parmesan cheese with the chilled Caesar dressing.
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Serve: Top the salad with the sliced grilled chicken. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
You can swap the chicken for other proteins like grilled shrimp, steak, or tofu.
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add vegetables like avocado or roasted tomatoes.
Store leftovers (without dressing) in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate in the fridge for up to a week. For best texture, store croutons separately.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish, Healthy Recipes
- Method: Grilling, Tossing
- Cuisine: American
