Description
Craving a classic chicken caesar salad that elevates your lunch game? Crisp romaine, grilled chicken, and zesty parmesan come together in this crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies with robust Mediterranean flavors you’ll devour quickly.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Salad Components:
- 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped (about 8 cups)
- Caesar dressing (lightened-up Greek yogurt dressing recommended)
- Homemade croutons
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Craft a zesty marinade by whisking olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper in a small container.
- Submerge chicken breasts completely in the aromatic marinade, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for minimum 60 minutes to enhance flavor penetration.
- Heat grill or grill pan to medium temperature, lightly brushing surface with oil to prevent sticking.
- Transfer marinated chicken onto heated grill, cooking approximately 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and exterior develops golden-brown char marks.
- Remove chicken from heat and allow to rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring tender meat.
- While chicken rests, prepare salad foundation by arranging crisp romaine lettuce in a large serving bowl.
- Slice grilled chicken into elegant diagonal strips, arranging atop lettuce bed.
- Scatter crunchy croutons across salad surface for added texture.
- Generously drizzle classic Caesar dressing over entire salad, gently tossing to ensure uniform coating.
- Finish by sprinkling freshly grated parmesan cheese, creating a luxurious and flavorful presentation.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for maximum flavor infusion, allowing herbs and acids to tenderize and enhance the meat’s natural taste.
- Ensure chicken reaches proper internal temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illnesses while maintaining juicy, succulent texture.
- Use fresh, crisp romaine lettuce for optimal crunch and create uniform bite-sized pieces for easy eating and balanced flavor distribution.
- Consider gluten-free alternatives like almond flour croutons or roasted nuts for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the salad’s satisfying texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg