Description
Spicy Cajun Chicken Caesar Salad delivers bold Louisiana flavors that dance across crisp romaine greens. Zesty seasoned chicken, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, butterflied and/or pounded to 1/4-1/2 inch thick
- 3 tablespoons finely grated parmesan
Vegetables and Greens:
- 1.5 pounds shaved Brussels sprouts
- 1 large shallot, peeled & thinly sliced
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Seasonings and Oils:
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
- 1/2 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt or skyr
- Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup Cajun crunchy quinoa
- Grated or shaved parmesan, to taste
Instructions
- Dust chicken breasts generously with zesty Cajun spice blend, ensuring an even coating that promises robust flavor.
- Ignite a high-sided skillet over medium-high flame, introducing avocado oil to create a sizzling surface for vegetables.
- Tumble Brussels sprouts and shallots into the heated pan, allowing them to caramelize and soften, releasing their natural sweetness while maintaining a delicate crunch.
- Transfer the golden-edged vegetables to a spacious salad vessel, preparing the surface for the protein.
- Reduce skillet temperature to medium, introducing another drizzle of oil to kiss the seasoned chicken.
- Sear chicken breasts methodically, monitoring internal temperature until reaching the perfect 165°F, guaranteeing juicy, thoroughly cooked meat.
- Allow chicken to rest momentarily, then slice into elegant, bite-sized cubes that showcase the spicy exterior.
- Craft the Cajun Caesar dressing by vigorously whisking ingredients until achieving a silky, unified consistency.
- Cascade dressing over the Brussels sprouts, gently massaging to ensure comprehensive flavor distribution.
- Crown the salad with crisp quinoa, succulent chicken morsels, and a drift of parmesan cheese for textural complexity and rich finish.
Notes
- Customize the Cajun spice blend by adjusting heat levels for personal preference or dietary needs.
- Swap Brussels sprouts with kale or spinach for a different nutrient profile and texture variation.
- Toast quinoa before adding to create extra crunch and enhance its nutty flavor, making the salad more interesting.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of traditional Caesar dressing ingredients for a lighter, protein-rich alternative that maintains creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg