Nourishing Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

Introducing the ULTIMATE Healthy Chicken Caesar Salad featuring grilled lemon-infused chicken, homemade garlicky croutons, fresh parmesan, all tossed in a lighter Greek yogurt dressing!

Who loves a classic Caesar salad? 🖐🏼 Now, who enjoys the heavy fats and calories that often accompany it? Not with this nutritious chicken Caesar salad! This dish features succulent lemon-grilled chicken, crunchy romaine lettuce, homemade garlicky croutons, and a revamped Caesar dressing that replaces mayo and eggs with protein-rich Greek yogurt. So tasty and far healthier for you!

Reasons to Love This Recipe

• A nutritious twist on your beloved classic Caesar salad!
• This lighter Greek yogurt dressing significantly cuts down on fats and calories, while tasting incredible.
• The croutons are crunchy and garlicky, crafted from whole grain bread for added nutrition.
• You’ll savor the flavor of the lemon garlic grilled chicken included in this salad!

Essential Ingredients

• romaine lettuce – Sticking with classic romaine for this Caesar salad is my preference, but feel free to use any leafy greens.
• grilled chicken – I opted for my lemon chicken recipe since it pairs wonderfully with this Caesar salad, but leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly or feel free to mix in other proteins like steak, shrimp, or fish.
• caesar dressing – this lighter dressing swaps Greek yogurt for mayo or eggs and also serves as an excellent marinade for the chicken if you have extra.
• croutons – these simple homemade croutons are crunchy, garlicky, and an ideal topping for this salad! You can use gluten-free bread to make them gluten-free.
• parmesan cheese – freshly grated parmesan cheese is the best finishing touch for this salad; ensure to use high-quality cheese for maximum flavor.

Healthier Caesar Dressing

This nutritious Caesar dressing checks all the boxes! It’s creamy, tangy, and made with fresh ingredients that taste far better than store-bought versions. By replacing mayo or eggs with Greek yogurt, we’re not only increasing protein but also reducing excess fats and calories. This dressing also makes a fantastic marinade for the chicken if you prepare a bit more! It can be kept in a sealed, airtight container (or mason jar) in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken Caesar salad stands well on its own as a complete meal, but you could pair it as a side salad with a variety of other dishes:

Preparing This Salad in Advance

The beauty of this salad is that all its components can be prepared ahead of time and stored separately until you’re ready to assemble.

• The chicken can be prepped 3 to 4 days in advance and is delightful served warm or cold on the salad. You can also use any leftover chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken.
• The homemade croutons can last up to 2 weeks in a sealed, airtight container at room temperature.
• The Caesar dressing stays fresh in the fridge for up to one week in a sealed mason jar or container. Just give it a good shake before using it.
• The romaine lettuce can be washed and stored in a container in the fridge until you’re ready to make the salad.

More Salads You’ll Adore

I hope you enjoy this Healthy Chicken Caesar Salad! If you love it as much as we do, please leave me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ below and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram using the hashtag #eatyourselfskinny! I take great pleasure in seeing all your delicious renditions!

**Nutrient-Rich Chicken Caesar Salad: A Wholesome Take on a Timeless Favorite**

Few salads can rival the iconic status of Caesar salad. Its rich dressing, crisp romaine, and crunchy croutons have earned it a spot on menus globally. Yet, the traditional recipe can often pack on calories, saturated fats, and sodium, making it less appealing for those pursuing a healthy lifestyle. Enter the nutrient-rich Chicken Caesar Salad—an enticing, wholesome variation on the classic that’s brimming with protein, vitamins, and healthy fats. This rendition maintains all the familiar flavors while incorporating nutrient-dense components for enhanced health benefits.

### Why Opt for a Nutrient-Rich Caesar Salad?

Classic Caesar salads frequently depend on hefty dressings and refined croutons, diminishing the advantages of fresh greens. By implementing some thoughtful swaps and additions, you can revamp this beloved dish into a well-balanced, nutrient-packed meal. Adding grilled chicken supplies lean protein while merging in fresh veggies, whole grains, and heart-healthy fats elevates the salad’s nutritional value. This revitalized creation is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even weekly meal prep.

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### Ingredients for a Healthier Chicken Caesar Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a nutrient-rich Chicken Caesar Salad that’s as beneficial for your body as it is delightful for your palate:

#### For the Salad:
– **2 large chicken breasts** (skinless, boneless)
– **1 large head of romaine lettuce**, chopped (or a combination of romaine and spinach for added nutrition)
– **1 cup cherry tomatoes**, halved (optional, for added antioxidants)
– **1/4 cup red onion**, sliced thinly (optional, for flavor and nutrients)
– **1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese** (or a dairy-free substitute for a vegan variation)
– **1/2 cup whole-grain croutons** (or roasted chickpeas for a fiber-rich gluten-free alternative)
– **1/4 cup avocado slices** (for healthy fats)

#### For the Dressing:
– **1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt** (a healthier choice than mayonnaise)
– **2 tablespoons olive oil** (rich in heart-friendly monounsaturated fats)
– **1 tablespoon Dijon mustard**
– **1 tablespoon lemon juice** (freshly squeezed)
– **1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce** (optional, ensure gluten-free if required)
– **1 garlic clove**, minced
– **Salt and pepper to taste**

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### Step-by-Step Instructions

#### 1. **Cook the Chicken**
– Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder or paprika for added kick.
– Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
– Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.

#### 2. **Prepare the Dressing**
– In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic.
– Season with salt and pepper. If too thick, lighten it with a teaspoon of water or additional lemon juice.

#### 3. **Build the Salad**
– In a large bowl, mix together the chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Parmesan cheese, and croutons (or roasted chickpeas).
– Add the sliced grilled chicken and avocado.

#### 4. **Dress and Serve**
– Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, or provide dressing on the side for individual servings.
– Top with extra Parmesan or a dash of fresh cracked black pepper to enhance flavor.

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### Nutritional Highlights of This Recipe

The nutrient-rich Chicken Caesar Salad is not only delicious; it’s also a fantastic source of essential nutrients:

1. **Lean Protein**: Grilled chicken provides high-quality protein, key for muscle repair, immune support, and overall energy levels.
2. **Vitamins and Minerals**: Romaine lettuce and spinach supply vitamins A, C, and K, plus folate and potassium. Adding cherry tomatoes enhances the antioxidant content from their lycopene.
3. **Healthy Fats**: Avocado and olive oil deliver heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which may help reduce bad cholesterol.
4. **Calcium**: Parmesan cheese offers a dose of calcium, vital for strong bones.
5. **Fiber**: Whole-grain croutons or roasted chickpeas increase fiber, promoting digestive health and satiety.
6. **Probiotics**: Greek yogurt in the dressing adds beneficial probiotics that support gut health.