Grilled Chicken Loaded Caesar Salad 🥗🔥
Ingredients:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp paprika
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
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½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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¼ cup crispy bacon bits
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½ cup croutons
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â…“ cup shredded parmesan cheese
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Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
For Homemade Caesar Dressing (optional):
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½ cup mayonnaise
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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1 clove garlic, minced
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2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
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Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the chicken: Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Grill: Cook on a preheated grill or grill pan for about 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let rest, then slice.
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Make the dressing (if homemade): Whisk all dressing ingredients until smooth.
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Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine romaine, cherry tomatoes, bacon bits, croutons, and parmesan.
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Add the chicken: Place sliced grilled chicken on top.
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Dress and serve: Drizzle Caesar dressing over the top and toss lightly.
Optional Add-ons:
🥑 Sliced avocado
🥚 Soft-boiled egg
🌽 Grilled corn kernels
🧀 Extra shaved parmesan
Q&A Section
Q: Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?
A: Yes! Store-bought dressing works perfectly if you’re short on time.
Q: What’s the best way to keep the salad crisp?
A: Toss the dressing only before serving — this keeps the lettuce crunchy.
Q: Can I make it meal-prep friendly?
A: Absolutely! Keep the chicken, veggies, and dressing separate, and mix when ready to eat.
Q: Can I grill the chicken in a pan?
A: Yes, a grill pan or even a regular nonstick pan works fine — just cook until fully done.
Q: What protein alternatives can I use?
A: Try shrimp, salmon, or even crispy tofu for a different twist.