Incredible Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad takes the classic romaine lettuce, juicy chicken, croutons, and Parmesan cheese to the next level. Less than 40 minutes provides an amazingly quick and satisfying meal option. It’s a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect to serve to your family.

This is my favorite salad because of the modern twist. I remember falling in love with the novelty of grilled lettuce at a local Italian restaurant. Since then, I’ve experimented with different ingredients and seasonings to make it my own.

And it’s easy to customize; add your favorite veggies, switch up the dressing, and play around with different chicken seasonings. Plus, you can easily find everything you need at your local grocery store for a deliciously satisfying dish.

Is Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Worth It?

My family and I certainly think so. It’s great for quick lunch or a hearty dinner. And this recipe uses readily available ingredients for pure simplicity. What really takes this salad over the top is the grilled romaine.

Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken Breast – This lean protein provides a satisfying component to the dish. Grilling it adds a delicious smoky flavor.
• Romaine adds a crisp, refreshing texture with a flavor that balances well with the other ingredients.
• Caesar Dressing – Mayonnaise, Worcestershire, Dijon mustard, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice provide a bold dressing.
• Parmesan Cheese – The finely grated cheese adds a nutty and salty taste. It also delivers a nice visual element.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Grill the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken – Lightly salt and pepper chicken and place in a large bowl or resealable zip lock bag.
2. Make the Marinade – Whisk the olive oil, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, thyme, garlic, parsley, lemon juice, and pepper flakes. (Photo 1)
3. Marinate – Pour the marinade over the chicken and mix to thoroughly coat it. Let the chicken breasts marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes (up to 24 hours). (Photo 2)
4. Prep the Grill – Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, 375-400°F/190-204°C.
5. Grill – When ready, remove chicken from the marinade, shake off excess, and discard the remaining marinade. Place your chicken breast on the preheated grill for 5-7 minutes per side (the internal temperature should read 165°F/75℃). Chicken breasts vary in size, so use a thermometer for the best results because thicker chicken pieces will take longer. (Photos 3-4)
6. Rest – Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Keep it warm by tenting with foil while preparing the salad.
7. Slice chicken and set aside.

Make the Salad

8. Dressing – Whisk the anchovy fillets, garlic, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, olive oil, Parmesan, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside while you grill the lettuce. (Photos 5-6)
9. Prep the Lettuce – Brush the cut side of the romaine lettuce with olive oil. Salt and pepper. Do the same with baguettes if using.
10. Grill – Place lettuce on preheated grill (350-400ºF/177-205℃) cut-side down. Gently press down the lettuce to create direct contact, ensuring even cooking and more char. Grill for 1-2 minutes or until slightly charred.
11. Flip the lettuce and cook for 1-2 minutes. Do the same with sliced bread. (Don’t walk away from the grill because lettuce cooks fast).
12. Assemble – Remove the lettuce and bread from the grill and place them on a cookie tray or large serving plate. Serve grilled lettuce on individual plates, and drizzle with Caesar dressing, grilled bread or croutons, and extra dressing on the side.
13. Serve immediately for the freshest flavors and textures.

Recipe Variations

• Grilled Salmon Caesar Salad: Grill up some delicious salmon and top your salad with it or serve it on the side.
• Fruity Additions: Add more fresh produce to your salad. Try avocado, diced mango, pineapple, or strawberries for a sweet and tangy twist. Nuts or seeds add a nice crunch.
• Grilled Veggie Caesar Salad: Grill up some veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions for a meat-free version.
• Grilled Shrimp Caesar Salad: Swap out the chicken for some grilled shrimp for a lighter seafood twist on the dish.

Tips and Tricks

• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing so the juice can reabsorb into the meat.
• Use fresh romaine lettuce, homemade croutons, or grilled bread for an amazing Caesar salad.
• Assemble the salad just before serving for the best results.

Make-Ahead Instructions

The dressing tastes even better when made a day or two in advance. It stays fresh in a glass jar in the fridge. You can also grill the chicken and lettuce and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Just toss everything together with the dressing and extra toppings, and you’re all set!

Serving and Storage Instructions

Grilled Caesar salad is best enjoyed with warm chicken and lettuce fresh off the grill. Let the chicken rest before slicing so it stays juicy and tender. Dress the salad right before serving. The lettuce won’t stay crisp and fresh if you dress the salad too early.

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for a day or two. If you’ve already dressed it, eat it within a day. You can freeze the chicken for future salads but don’t freeze the lettuce because it turns to mush.

FAQs

What Goes With Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

This salad is a delicious and filling meal on its own, but several side dishes would complement it. Some good options include garlic bread and smoked asparagus. For dessert, try delicious cheese-stuffed strawberries.

More Amazing Salad Recipes to Try

• Cobb Salad
• Cucumber Tomato Salad
• Salmon Salad
• Greek Salad
• Pineapple Cucumber Salad

Conclusion

With its flavorful dressing, juicy chicken, and fresh lettuce, grilled chicken Caesar salad is sure to please! What’s your favorite twist on this classic recipe? Share your creative ideas in the comments below!