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