Grilled Chicken Loaded Caesar Salad

📝 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• Salt & black pepper – to taste

• 1 tsp lemon juice

For the Salad:

• 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

• 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)

• ½ cup parmesan cheese, shaved or grated

• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional but adds freshness)

• ¼ cup crispy bacon bits (optional but great for a loaded style)

• 1 boiled egg, sliced (optional for extra protein)

For the Caesar Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 tsp Dijon mustard

• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

• Salt & pepper to taste

• (Optional) 2 anchovy fillets, minced for authentic flavor

🔥 Instructions

1. Marinate & Grill the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

2. Coat chicken breasts well and let marinate for 15–20 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).

3. Preheat grill (or grill pan) over medium-high heat.

4. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).

5. Rest chicken for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

2. Make the Dressing

1. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, parmesan, salt, and pepper until smooth.

2. Taste and adjust seasoning. Keep chilled until ready to use.

3. Assemble the Salad

1. In a large salad bowl, add chopped romaine lettuce.

2. Drizzle a little Caesar dressing and toss to coat lightly.

3. Add grilled chicken slices, croutons, shaved parmesan, tomatoes, bacon bits, and boiled egg slices.

4. Drizzle with more dressing on top and serve immediately.

🍽️ Serving Tips

• Serve with warm garlic bread or toasted baguette slices.

• For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise.

• Best enjoyed fresh and slightly chilled.

❓ Q&A

Q1: Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

✅ Yes! Grill the chicken up to 2 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Slice just before assembling.

Q2: What lettuce works best for Caesar salad?

✅ Romaine lettuce is the classic choice because it’s crisp and holds the dressing well. Avoid softer lettuces like butter lettuce.

Q3: Can I skip anchovies in the dressing?

✅ Absolutely! Anchovies add a savory, umami depth, but you can skip them or replace them with ½ tsp soy sauce or extra Worcestershire sauce.

Q4: How do I make homemade croutons?

✅ Dice day-old bread, toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until crispy.

Q5: Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?

✅ Yes, but homemade dressing is fresher and more flavorful. If using store-bought, pick a high-quality creamy Caesar dressing.

Q6: Is this salad healthy?

✅ Yes, it’s protein-rich and nutrient-packed. To make it lighter:

• Use grilled chicken without skin

• Opt for low-fat dressing or Greek yogurt base

• Skip croutons or bacon for fewer carbs/calories