🥗🔥 Grilled Chicken Loaded Caesar Salad

📝 Ingredients (Serves 2–4)

🍗 Grilled Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp paprika

• Salt & black pepper

🥬 Salad Base

• 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped

• ½ cup shaved or grated Parmesan

• 1 cup croutons

• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional but recommended)

🥣 Caesar Dressing (Homemade)

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 1–2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• 2–3 tbsp olive oil (to thin if needed)

(You can also use your favorite store-bought dressing.)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Grill the Chicken

1. Pound chicken to even thickness.

2. Rub with olive oil and seasonings.

3. Grill over medium heat 5–6 minutes per side (internal temp 165°F / 75°C).

4. Rest 5 minutes, then slice.

2️⃣ Make Dressing

Whisk together all dressing ingredients until smooth. Adjust salt, lemon, or cheese to taste.

3️⃣ Assemble

1. Toss romaine with dressing (don’t overdress).

2. Top with grilled chicken slices.

3. Add bacon and croutons.

4. Finish with extra Parmesan and cracked pepper.

Serve immediately.

🔥 Ways to Load It Up Even More

• 🥑 Add avocado slices

• 🍅 Add cherry tomatoes

• 🥚 Add sliced hard-boiled eggs

• 🧄 Use garlic butter croutons

• 🧀 Add shaved Asiago for extra depth

❓ Q & A

Q1: Can I make this low-carb?

Yes! Skip croutons and use a low-carb dressing.

Q2: Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely — great time saver.

Q3: How do I keep lettuce crisp?

Dry it thoroughly after washing. Chill before serving.

Q4: Can I meal prep it?

Keep dressing separate until ready to eat.

Q5: Is traditional Caesar made with anchovies?

Yes — authentic versions include anchovies. You can add 1 tsp anchovy paste for deeper flavor.