Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

A grilled chicken Caesar salad is the perfect combination of fresh, crisp greens, smoky grilled chicken, crunchy croutons, and a creamy, flavorful dressing. It’s a classic salad with a delicious twist—grilling the chicken adds a depth of flavor that makes this dish feel extra special, yet it’s incredibly easy to make.

Whether you’re looking for a light yet satisfying lunch, a nutritious dinner, or even a meal-prep option, this salad is packed with protein, fiber, and bold flavors. Plus, it’s completely customizable! You can add extra veggies, swap the dressing for a homemade version, or make it heartier by serving it in a wrap.

this RECIPE FOR LATER

So if you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and easy to whip up, this grilled chicken Caesar salad is the perfect meal to try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Simple and delicious – A restaurant-quality salad made at home.
✔ Healthy and satisfying – Packed with lean protein and fresh greens.
✔ Customizable – Add extra veggies, swap the dressing, or make it low-carb.
✔ Great for meal prep – Prep the ingredients ahead of time for easy meals.
✔ Perfectly balanced flavors – Smoky grilled chicken, crisp romaine, and creamy Caesar dressing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Grilled Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Salad:

• 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated
• 1 cup croutons

For the Caesar Dressing:

• ½ cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Rub the mixture all over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates, then grill the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

Step 3: Prepare the Caesar Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayo), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with half of the Caesar dressing until evenly coated.

Top with the grilled chicken slices, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Parmesan cheese, and croutons. Drizzle with the remaining dressing and toss lightly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Divide the salad into serving bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh black pepper if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Helpful Tips

• Use freshly grated Parmesan – It adds a richer, more authentic flavor to the salad.
• Let the chicken rest – This keeps it juicy and prevents it from drying out.
• Make it extra crispy – Toss the croutons in a little olive oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes to crisp them up.
• Want a lower-carb option? Skip the croutons or replace them with roasted chickpeas.
• Prep ahead – Store the grilled chicken separately and assemble the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Marinate Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 2–4 servings
• Category: Salad
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: High-Protein

Notes

• For an even quicker version, use pre-cooked grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken.
• Swap out the dressing – If you prefer, you can use store-bought Caesar dressing for convenience.
• Try it in a wrap! Wrap everything in a whole wheat tortilla for a delicious grilled chicken Caesar wrap.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~400
• Protein: ~35g
• Carbohydrates: ~20g
• Fat: ~18g
• Fiber: ~4g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! To meal prep, store the grilled chicken, chopped romaine, croutons, and dressing separately. Assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and crispy.

Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a good-quality bottled Caesar dressing works just as well.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing and croutons separate to prevent sogginess.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free Parmesan cheese and a dairy-free yogurt or mayo for the dressing.

Related Recipes

If you love this grilled chicken Caesar salad, try these other fresh and flavorful meals:

• Sweet Chili Chicken Thighs in Air Fryer

• Harissa Chicken – Spicy North African Chicken

Conclusion

This grilled chicken Caesar salad is a simple, flavorful meal that never disappoints. With juicy grilled chicken, crisp romaine, and a creamy homemade dressing, it’s the perfect blend of freshness and indulgence.

Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even meal prepping for the week, this salad is a healthy and delicious choice that you’ll want to make again and again.

Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality Caesar salad at home! Happy cooking!

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