The Classic Caesar Salad Gets a Delicious Grilled Twist
Caesar salad is a staple that has been enjoyed for decades. Its crisp romaine lettuce, savory Parmesan, garlicky dressing, and crunchy croutons always hit the spot. But this unique grilled chicken Caesar salad recipe takes this iconic salad up a notch by replacing the usual chicken breast with flavorful grilled chicken. The smoky char and spice rub give the chicken a boost of flavor that pairs perfectly with the other salad components. With the addition of fresh cherry tomatoes, buttery avocado, briny capers, and a tangy Greek yogurt dressing, this salad goes from classic to fabulous.
The Satisfying yet Light Chicken is Infused with Flavor
In this recipe, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are spiced up with a Mediterranean-inspired dry rub before hitting the grill. First, the chicken is coated with fruity olive oil, earthy smoked paprika, pungent garlic powder, and fresh lemon zest, which protects the delicate chicken breast from drying out. Kosher salt and black pepper are also added to enhance the overall flavor. Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes gives time for the seasonings to thoroughly penetrate the meat, ensuring well-balanced, robust flavor in every bite.
When grilled over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side, the chicken develops lovely grill marks and cooks up juicy and safe to eat. Be careful not to overcook, or the chicken may become tough and chewy. The smoky char from the grill complements the blend of spices beautifully. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. This allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat so they don’t run out when you slice into it. The flavorful grilled chicken lends satisfying protein, substances, and smoky flavor to the crisp salad.
The Salad Foundation: Crisp Greens, Tomatoes, and Crunchy Croutons
Crisp romaine lettuce is the base of any solid Caesar salad. For this recipe, begin with one large head of romaine. Wash the leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Make sure the water gets into all the nooks and crannies. Once clean, chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces, discarding the root end and any bruised outer leaves. Romaine has a hearty, almost nutty flavor that stands up well to rich dressings.
Pair the romaine with sweet cherry tomatoes, cut in half to release some of their tangy juice. This added moisture helps adhere the other tasty components. For a delicious crunch, use fresh whole grain croutons. Look for large cubes made without butter or trans fats. Or get adventurous and bake your own! Stale bread tossed with olive oil, garlic salt, and Italian seasoning then baked makes a fabulous DIY crouton.
The crowning jewel of any Caesar is the shaved Parmesan cheese. Using a vegetable peeler, slice thin shards of Parmesan off a block of the good stuff. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that repel moisture. The fresh slices integrate beautifully into the other salad ingredients.
Building on the Classics: Avocado, Capers, and Homemade Dressing
In addition to the traditional components, a few extras take this Caesar salad to the next level. Buttery avocado lends creaminess as well as vitamins and minerals like potassium and vitamin E. For the best presentation and mouthfeel, carefully slice the avocado and add it to the salad just before serving so it doesn’t get too soft or brown. Tangy brined capers offer a bright pop of flavor and their small size distributes well with each bite.
While store-bought Caesar dressing certainly saves time, nothing compares to the flavor of homemade. This Greek yogurt based dressing uses oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, and anchovies to emulate the classic flavor everyone knows and loves. The yogurt creates a luscious texture and tang without relying on heavy mayonnaise or eggs like traditional Caesar dressing. The zing of lemon brightens up the rich, savory notes of the anchovy paste and Parmesan. Adding each ingredient one at a time while whisking allows the flavors to fully develop. Taste and adjust acidity, saltiness, or richness to suit your preferences.
Putting It All Together
Now for the fun part – assembling this show-stopping salad! Working in a large bowl gives you enough room to toss all the components together without making a mess. Start by adding the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, Parmesan shards, and whole grain croutons. Top attractively with slices of grilled chicken breast and fresh avocado chunks. Scatter the drained capers over everything.
Just before serving, drizzle the homemade Greek yogurt Caesar dressing over the salad and gently toss until the lettuce and other ingredients are evenly coated in the glossy dressing. The slicing action helps release the sweet tomato juice and mingle flavors. Serve family-style for a casual dinner with crusty bread or carefully plate individual servings for an easy but elegant lunch.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
A salad this fresh and vibrant calls for an equally bright, crisp drink pairing. A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc would complement the dynamic flavors perfectly. For an alcohol-free option, mix up some mint lemonade or ginger lime sparkling water.
While this hearty Caesar salad is satisfying enough for a meal itself, adding a few side dishes can round it out. Some excellent options include crusty garlic bread, seasoned oven fries, vegetarian baked falafel, or mixed summer fruit like watermelon, grapes, and berries.
Storing Leftovers
Like any fresh salad, this grill Caesar is best eaten the first day. However leftovers will keep for 2-3 days stored properly. Place any remaining salad in an airtight container in the fridge without dressing first. Store the dressing separately otherwise it will saturate the other ingredients. To serve again, drizzle over desired serving size portions. You may need to add a splash of lemon juice, oil or water if dressing seems too thick.
For leftover grilled chicken, store in an airtight container for up 3 days. It makes great additions to salads, wraps, flatbreads or bowls throughout the week!
The Possibilities are Endless
Part of the fun of cooking is using a basic recipe as inspiration for your own taste and imagination. Try out different add-ins like crumbled feta or blue cheese, artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, cucumbers, bell peppers or carrots to make this salad your own. Consider grilling eggplant or portobello mushrooms instead of chicken for a meatless alternative. Change up the dressing flavors with additions like honey, stoneground mustard or different fresh herbs.
The next time a Caesar salad craving hits, skip the tired takeout and whipped up your own spectacular grilled version instead. Just fire up the barbecue, grab a bottle of vino and let the compliments roll in! This grill-worthy salad checks all the boxes – fresh, fast, flavorful and fabulous.
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Light Grilled Ceasar Salad Recipe
A refreshing Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad featuring smoky grilled chicken, crisp romaine, creamy avocado, and a light Greek yogurt Caesar dressing, all topped with Parmesan and croutons.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Zest of 1 lemon
For the Salad:
1 large romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup whole grain croutons
1 avocado, sliced
2 tablespoons capers, drained
For the Dressing:
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped (optional)
1 garlic clove, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prep the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Coat the chicken breasts in the mixture and let marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, anchovies (if using), minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, shaved Parmesan, croutons, and capers. Add the sliced grilled chicken and avocado on top.
Serve:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Enjoy!
Serve your unique Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad immediately, perhaps with a side of crusty bread to complete the meal.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
