I first made this chicken Caesar salad recipe on a busy Monday evening. I wanted something light but filling, quick but satisfying. When I combined grilled chicken with crisp romaine, shaved Parmesan, and a creamy homemade dressing, it felt like something out of a restaurant—but without the hassle. Now it’s a go-to.
Healthy Chicken Caesar Salad
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy3
servings10
minutes15
minutes350
kcalIngredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
¼ cup shaved or grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: homemade croutons made from whole wheat bread
⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt or light mayo
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp olive oil (optional)
Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional: anchovy paste for more classic authentic flavor
Directions
- Grill or Pan-Seared Chicken
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and a light drizzle of olive oil.
- Grill or sauté over medium-high heat 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- Let rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
- Make the Caesar Dressing
- Whisk together Greek yogurt or mayo, Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil (if using), and anchovy paste (optional).
- Adjust seasoning for taste—a perfect base for homemade Caesar salad.
- Toss the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine, Parmesan, sliced chicken, and (optional) croutons.
- Drizzle dressing over top and toss gently until everything is coated—avoid overdressing.
- Serve or Prep for Later
- Serve immediately for maximum crunch.
- For meal prep cauliflower chicken Caesar salad, portion into containers and refrigerate—add croutons fresh before enjoying.
Notes
- Looking for healthy chicken Caesar salad recipe? Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo and trim excess fat from chicken for a leaner version.
- Craving a creamy chicken Caesar salad? Swap mayo for extra Greek yogurt or add a dash of olive oil for silkiness.
- Want keto or low calorie chicken Caesar salad? Skip croutons, use low-fat cheese, and portion dressing lightly.
- Love croutons? Make chicken Caesar salad with homemade croutons using cubed whole wheat toast crisped in the oven.
- Prefer gluten-free chicken Caesar salad? Simply skip croutons or use gluten-free bread alternatives—dressing remains the same.
Why This Caesar Salad with Chicken Stays on My Meal Plan
- A high‑protein meal full of lean grilled chicken that fuels without weighing you down
- Quick and easy chicken Caesar salad—ready in under 30 minutes
- Lightened-up version: no heavy ingredients, no mystery fillers
- Perfect for meal prep chicken Caesar salad—keeps well for 3–4 days
- Balanced and satisfying: crisp greens, creamy dressing, and savory chicken
Why It’s a Great Make-Ahead Dinner
- Protein-rich chicken and fiber from lettuce balance each other perfectly.
- Salad components stay crisp when dressing is added right before enjoying.
- Keeps portion-ready for busy work lunches or back-to-back dinners.
- Easy to build a chicken Caesar salad meal prep strategy—prep chicken & dressing in advance.
Why This Chicken Caesar Salad Is Always in My Rotation
This isn’t just another salad—it’s a staple in my kitchen because it checks every box: simple, filling, and absolutely delicious. Whether I’m making a big bowl for dinner or packing it up for lunch during a busy week, this easy chicken Caesar salad delivers every time.
The grilled chicken adds hearty flavor, the creamy dressing brings everything together, and that crisp romaine crunch? So satisfying. And when you make it yourself, it’s fresher, healthier, and even better than your favorite takeout version.
Once you try it, I think you’ll agree—it’s more than a salad. It’s a solid, dependable go-to that just works.
A Salad That’s More Than Just Greens
There’s something really satisfying about this chicken Caesar salad that sets it apart from your average lunch bowl. It’s more than just a mix of romaine and protein—this salad strikes a perfect balance between fresh, savory, creamy, and crunchy.
What makes it shine is how customizable it is. Add hard-boiled eggs for extra protein, toss in avocado for creaminess, or sprinkle with sunflower seeds for a nutty crunch. You can prep it ahead, layer it in jars, or serve it in a big bowl at dinner—it works every time.
Whether you’re craving something light, managing carbs, or just need a dependable dish to rotate in your meal prep, this healthy chicken Caesar salad recipe hits the mark every single time.
Want a Crunchy Side Dish? Try My Loaded Broccoli Salad
While this grilled chicken Caesar salad is a meal on its own, it also pairs beautifully with something bright and crunchy. If you’re in the mood for a little variety, my Loaded Broccoli Salad Recipe is the perfect side. It’s creamy, fresh, and packed with texture—ideal for summer dinners or weekly meal prep.
👉 Check out my Loaded Broccoli Salad Recipe here!
And if you’re into keeping meals simple, balanced, and totally satisfying, you might also love this Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe — it’s another go-to dinner that’s quick, protein-rich, and packed with flavor.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes—rotisserie chicken works great for quick texture and save prep time.
Does grilled chicken Caesar salad need refrigerated storage?
For meal prep: store separately—dressing on one side and salad in another. Keeps up to 3 days.
What’s the best dressing for chicken Caesar salad at home?
A simple combo of yogurt or mayo, lemon juice, garlic, and Dijon makes a tangy, creamy base—anchovy paste optional.
How do I keep salad from getting soggy?
Dress just before eating, and avoid packing croutons until serving.
Final Thoughts
This easy chicken Caesar salad recipe is your ticket to an effortless, satisfying meal—whether you need a quick dinner or healthy lunch idea. It’s the perfect cross between light and filling, fresh and creamy, homey and restaurant-worthy.
Made it? Let me know — did you go classic with anchovy or keep it anchovy-free? Add croutons or skip them? I’d love to see how you enjoyed it. Don’t forget to leave a comment or tag me with your version!
