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Chicken Caesar Salad

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This isn’t your average Caesar Salad—it’s a vibrant, garden-fresh take that features juicy, lemon-basil chicken and a medley of colorful vegetables and WAY-better-than-store-bought Caesar Dressing! Readers rave that it’s “fantastic,” “Truly delicious,” “Absolutely wonderful,” and “the salad dressing made the meal!” Follow along for tips, tricks, and variations,
including stovetop and grilling instructions!

pouring Caesar dressing over a bowl of Chicken Caesar Salad


 

Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

This proven recipe is reliable, delicious, and guaranteed to become a favorite for lunch, hearty dinner, or an impressive dish for entertaining. Here’s why you’ll love it:

  • Craveable Chicken: The Lemon-basil marinated chicken is stand-alone fabulous with its bright, herby, juiciness that elevates the entire salad.
  • Homemade Caesar Dressing: Creamy, tangy, and perfectly seasoned, the dressing takes this salad to the next level.
  • Healthier Dressing: Made with Greek yogurt, reader’s rave it’s “so unusual to find good caesar dressing that doesn’t feel heavy and have 1,000 calories per serving. Yours is perfect!”
  • Garden-Fresh Ingredients: With the crunchy veggies all sprinkled with Parmesan and drizzled with Caesar Dressing-you quite possibly might eat more vegetables than you have in one sitting in your entire life – and love every second of it.  Thank you vibrant, healthy, and satisfying Chicken Caesar Salad!
  • Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, proteins, or toppings to make it your own.
  • Meal-Prep Friendly: Prepare components ahead of time for a quick, wholesome meal during busy weeks.
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Chicken Caesar Salad Ingredients

Let’s take a closer look at what you need to make this Chicken Caesar Salad recipe (measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

  • Chicken: The Lemon Basil Chicken is crazy juicy, thanks to an easy marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, basil, oregano, garlic, onion, and red pepper flakes! 
  • Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, this serves as the perfect base for the salad, offering a classic Caesar crunch. Use one large head or 2-3 Romaine hearts. Wash and dry thoroughly for maximum crispness.
  • Parmesan Cheese: The best Parmesan to use is freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, which offers superior flavor and texture to pre-grated varieties. Its nutty, salty richness enhances the salad and blends beautifully into the dressing.
  • Croutons: Use store-bought (seasoned please) or make your own with slightly stale French bread, olive oil, garlic powder, freshly cracked salt, and pepper.
  • Vegetables: We love fresh corn for a juicy pop, mini bell peppers for crunch and sweetness (or regular), sweet cherry tomatoes, and cool and refreshing cucumbers (use mini Persian or English without needing to peel).
top view of Chicken Caesar Salad in a wood bowl with croutons, grilled chicken and Caesar dressig

The Elevated Extras

  • Vegetables: We love fresh corn for a juicy pop (lightly char or cut straight off the cob), mini bell peppers for crunch and sweetness (or regular), and cool and refreshing cucumbers (use mini Persian or English without needing to peel).
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Their bright, tangy sweetness complements the creamy dressing. Halve them to distribute their flavor evenly.
  • Avocados: Creamy and rich, they add a luscious texture to the salad. Slice or chop just before serving to prevent browning.
  • Bacon: Cooked and crumbled for a smoky, savory finish. Use thick-cut bacon for more texture and flavor.

Are Chicken Breasts or Thighs Best?

I use chicken breasts for this Chicken Caesar Salad recipe because they are leaner and emerge wonderfully juicy once marinated, but you are welcome to use chicken thighs as well.  You can even turn this into a shrimp or salmon salad and use the same tantalizing dressing!

top view of tossed Chicken Caesar Salad with grilled lemon basil chicken

Can I use Rotisserie Chicken?

Absolutely!  Rotisserie chicken is a fabulous shortcut if you don’t have time to make chicken or want a lazy day Chicken Caesar Salad.  You will want about 1 ½ cups of shredded chicken, but you can always add more or less to taste.  To pump up the flavor of rotisserie chicken, you can toss it with:

••1 tablespoon olive oil
•1 tablespoon lemon juice
•½ teaspoon dried basil
•½ teaspoon garlic powder
•1/4 teaspoon onion powder
•1/4 teaspoon oregano
salt and pepper to taste

Shortcut Chicken Caesar Ingredients

Chicken Caesar Salad is very simple but requires a few steps.  There are several shortcuts you can take, however, such as using one or a combination of the following:

•pre-chopped lettuce
•rotisserie chicken
•store-bought croutons
•store-bought salad dressing

how to make Chicken Caesar Salad

If you want the BEST Chicken Caesar Salad, however, go for gold and make everything from scratch. Here’s how with step-by-step photos (full recipe in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

  • Step 1 – Chicken:  Make the chicken by whisking all the marinade ingredients together and marinating for 4 hours up to overnight.  When ready to cook, you can grill or cook on the stove top.    You can serve the chicken warm or cold, sliced or chopped.
showing how to make Chicken Caesar salad by marinating the chicken in olive oil, lemon, herbs and spices
  • Step 2 – Caesar Salad Dressing:  Make the dressing by adding all the ingredients to your blender and processing until smooth.  I like to make the dressing the same time I’m marinating the chicken, that way it has plenty of time to chill and the flavors to meld. 
showing how to make Chicken Caesar Salad by adding Caesar Dressing ingredients to a bowl and whisking to combine
  • Step 3 – Croutons: these croutons are SO easy and SO worth making at home!  All you do is toss cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, freshly cracked salt and pepper and bake for 15 minutes.   
  • Step 4 – Veggies:  Chop any other veggies you would like to add your salad such as tomatoes, fresh corn, bell peppers, cucumbers etc.  
  • Step 5 – Assemble: Add all of the Salad Ingredients to a large bowl and toss to combine.  You can add more of whatever ingredients you love -measurements are just a guideline!

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

You can make your chicken on the stove top or on the grill for this salad.  Both produce delicious results but your grilled Chicken Caesar Salad will naturally boast a smoky flavor and have less cleanup -win-win!

To make Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad:

  1. If your marinated chicken has been refrigerated, let sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes (time permitting).
  2. Meanwhile, grease and preheat the grill to medium heat, 375-450°F.
  3. Grill chicken undisturbed for 5-7 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through. (An inserted thermometer should read 165 degrees F.)  The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken.
  4. Remove chicken from grill and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

No matter how you cook your chicken, you’ll want to devour its lemon basil goodness in every bite.  Move over croutons.

showing how to make Grilled Caesar Salad by slicing juicy grilled chicken

CAN I MAKE CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD AHEAD OF TIME?

Yes, Chicken Caesar Salad is a great make-ahead or meal-prep salad! It can come together in a flash when you are ready to chow down.

•The lemon Basil Chicken can be made and refrigerated ahead of time.
•The Caesar Dressing can be made entirely ahead of time and tastes much better if made hours in advance. 
•All the fixings except the avocados can be chopped and stored in separate airtight containers until ready. 
•Chop the avocado before serving to avoid browning, or drizzle with lemon juice.  
•The Parmesan cheese can be shredded and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
•The croutons can be prepared 100% in advance and stored in an airtight container. 

Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing

Every Chicken Caesar Salad is only as good as its dressing.  This easy 5-minute Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing is so far beyond good you will turn up your nose from every other grocery store version – or be strongly tempted to. 

A few notes about this ridiculously delicious Homemade Caesar Dressing:

  • Anchovies: They are the secret between a “good” Caesar Dressing that tries to get away without anchovies and a lick-the-blender Caesar Dressing you can’t get enough of.  And, of course, an incredible dressing means an incredible Chicken Caesar Salad.
  • Do I have to use anchovies?  There are plenty of recipes out there for Caesar dressing without anchovies; I have never had one that popped with the flavor I desire.  My recipe uses anchovies because it’s the foundation on which this dressing is made and tastes sensational. 
  • Can I use store bought dressing?  Absolutely!  If you can’t get over using anchovies or already have a favorite Caesar dressing, feel free to use that instead. 
  • Parmesan Cheese:  Parmesan Cheese adds the signature taste to the Caesar Dressing and the OH MY YUM factor so I definitely wouldn’t skip it unless you need to make the dressing dairy free.
  • Freshly Grated cheese:  You can substitute the freshly grated Parmesan cheese with canned but it will not taste quite as good because fresh cheese is the best!  Freshly grated Parmesan will also dissolve much better for a smoother texture.
  • Egg or no Egg?: I have made this an egg-free Caesar dressing and love the dressing every bit as much.  The eggs are not added for flavor but to help thicken or emulsify the dressing. I use sour cream (or Greek yogurt) instead. 
up close of a spoon in a jar of homemade Caesar dressing showing how creamy it is

How to make Caesar Salad Dressing

You will be amazed at how easy it is to make gourmet tasting Caesar Salad Dressing at home in minutes:

  1. Add all of the dressing ingredients to a mixing bowl EXCEPT the Parmesan and mix until smooth.
  2. Mix in the Parmesan. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency. Taste and add salt/pepper to taste if needed and additional lemon juice if desired. Chill while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

See how EASY that was.  Now you have the best Caesar Salad Dressing to douse your hearty, satisfying, texture packed, flavor filled Chicken Caesar Salad! 

VARIATIONS OF CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD

    • Traditional Chicken Caesar Salad: you can forkful the Chicken Caesar Salad with the traditional cast of characters of lettuce, Parmesan, croutons and grilled chicken.
    • Spring Chicken Caesar Salad: turn it into Spring Chicken Caesar Salad with the addition of crispy bacon, creamy avocados, crunchy bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, and fresh sweet corn right off the cob (I could eat fresh corn for days!) and/or whatever your veggies your heart desires.  
    • Other proteins: feel free to substitute pork, salmon or shrimp in lieu of the chicken.
    • Add-ins: cucumbers, olives, hard-boiled eggs are all great additions to this salad.
    • Anchovy paste: you can swap in 1 teaspoon anchovy paste for the minced and mashed anchovy fillets.

    No need to stop with these ideas; let me know how you like your Best Chicken Caesar salad! 

    Gluten Free and Dairy Free Caesar Salad

    •For gluten-free Caesar Salad: omit the croutons and use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce in the dressing.
    •For dairy-free Caesar Salad: omit the Parmesan and use dairy-free or vegan sour cream such as Tofutti Better Than Sour Cream. You can even google “how to make dairy-free sour cream” and experiment with a few recipes.  

      showing how to serve Chicken Caesar Salad with grilled chicken by tossing all of the ingredients together in a bowl with tongs
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      Caesar Salad Toppings

      • Croutons: A Caesar Salad MUST for crunch and toasty flavor. I love to use garlic-herb croutons.
      • Corn: This adds a touch of sweetness and crispness to the salad. Grilled corn is amazing for its smokiness, but you can cut the kernels directly off the cob without cooking first.
      • Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes have a juicy, tangy flavor and vibrant color. I prefer them over Roma because they aren’t watery—and they’re so cute!
      • Bell peppers: Use six mini bell peppers sliced or one large red bell pepper chopped. The peppers add a sweet, crunchy texture and vibrant color.
      • Cucumber: For a cool, crisp texture, use an English cucumber without needing to peel or a peeled garden cucumber.
      • Avocado: This adds creamy richness and a mild flavor that complements the Caesar dressing. Take care that the avocado is ripe (it gives slightly when squeezed) but not overly ripe, or it will become mushy in the salad.
      • Bacon: This is optional but adds a rich smokiness to complement the refreshing vegetables. Use a thick cut so it doesn’t get lost.

      How long does chicken Caesar salad last?

      Chicken Caesar Salad should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Properly stored, it will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When the lettuce and veggies turn brown, it’s time to literally toss! For food safety, don’t leave the salad out at room temperature for more than two hours.  

      For best results, do not add the dressing to the salad, or it will get soggy. Instead, if you are planning on any leftovers, dress individual portions in the dressing.The dressing will last for 2 to 3 weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

      HOW TO freeze title 3

      Yes, you can freeze some elements of the Chicken Caesar Salad.  You cannot freeze the lettuce, but you can freeze the Caesar dressing and the chicken.

      Once thawed, blend the dressing once more in the blender to emulsify because it will separate when frozen.   Once thawed, the chicken can be served cold or warmed up on the stove or grill.

      FAQs for Caesar Salad with Chicken

      Can you eat caesar salad while pregnant?

      As I mentioned above about coddled eggs not being ideal for compromised immune systems, that also includes pregnant women.  This Caesar dressing, however, is safe for anyone (minus individual allergies), including pregnant women.
      Although pregnant women are advised to consume no more than two 140g portions of fish per week due to mercury, this salad dressing only has a few fillets so, it is completed safe.  So, don’t hesitate to make this Chicken Caesar Salad and share with the whole family!

      IS THIS CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD HEALTHY?

      This Chicken Caesar Salad can be as healthy as you want!  If you are watching calories, you can omit the croutons and add more nutrient rich vegetables and use less cheese.  You can try mixing half spinach and kale with the romaine lettuce. 
      My Caesar Salad Dressing does not contain mayonnaise or egg, so it is naturally a healthier dressing option.  To make it even healthier, use nonfat Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. 

      Where does Caesar Salad get its name?

      While Julius Caesar might be the most well known Caesar around, he is not the namesake for tantalizing Caesar salad!  It was actually invented by a different Caesar – Caesar Cardini, an Italian immigrant who operated restaurants in Mexico and the United States.  Cardini was living in San Diego (can I get a whoop whoop) but he was also working in Tijuana where he avoided the restrictions of Prohibition. 
      During a Fourth of July rush in 1924, the kitchen’s supplies were depleted and Cardini had to make do with what he had on hand.  So, when you combine an Italian upbringing with 4th of July feeding frenzy you get the masterpiece of Caesar salad. Another reason to LOVE this salad – a hometown specialty!
      Did you know Julia Child visited one of Caesar Cardinis restaurants as a child?  Yup you guessed it –  she had the Caesar Salad.  This was in the 1920’s just when it was newly invented.   Now we can all enjoy this great American classic from our homes anytime.  And NOW you can make it an entire meal with this Chicken Caesar Salad recipe!

      Looking for more Chicken Salad Recipes?

      a bowl of Chicken Caesar Salad with grilled chicken, Caesar dressing and croutons

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      top view of Chicken Caesar Salad in a wood bowl with croutons, grilled chicken and Caesar dressig

      Caesar Salad with Chicken

      Chicken Caesar Salad bursting with not only Parmesan cheese and homemade croutons but crispy bacon, fresh corn, avocados, tomatoes, cucumbers etc. and the most tender, juicy Lemon Basil Chicken all bathed in luscious WAY-better-than-store-bought Caesar Dressing.
      Servings: 6 -8
      Total Time: 40 minutes
      Prep Time: 30 minutes
      Cook Time: 10 minutes

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      Ingredients

      Garden Salad

      • 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
      • Fresh corn from 1 ear of corn
      • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
      • 6 Mini Bell Peppers sliced or 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
      • 1 cucumber, sliced
      • 1-2 Avocados, sliced or chopped

      Caesar Dressing

      • 4 whole anchovy fillets, minced then mashed
      • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
      • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
      • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
      • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
      • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
      • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
      • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
      • 1/4 tsp EACH salt and pepper, plus more to taste
      • 1/3 cup finely freshly grated Parmesan cheese
      • milk as needed

      Easy Croutons

      Garnish

      • Parmesan cheese finely freshly grated
      • 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled, more or less to taste

      Instructions

      • Lemon Basil Chicken: Prepare according to directions. Set aside.
      • Caesar Dressing: Add all of the dressing ingredients to a mixing bowl EXCEPT the Parmesan and mix until smooth. Mix in the Parmesan. Add milk 1 tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency. Taste and add salt/pepper to taste if needed and additional lemon juice if desired. Chill while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
      • Croutons
        : Preheat oven to 400F degrees. Cube bread into bite size pieces and add to a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Spread bread in an even layer onto baking sheet and bake for approximately 15 minutes or until golden.
      • Assemble
        : Add all of the Salad Ingredients to a large bowl and toss to combine (if you are expecting leftovers then hold avocados and add to individual servings). You can add more of whatever ingredients you love (measurements are just guidelines – I like to add more corn).
      • If not expecting leftovers, drizzle salad with desired amount of dressing and toss to combine along with freshly grated Parmesan. Garnish with bacon, croutons and top with chicken. If you are expecting leftovers, garnish individual servings with dressing, bacon, croutons and chicken.

      Notes

      *found in cans next to the tuna fish – don’t be grossed out – they MAKE the dressing!
      **I use a French bread called “Everything French Bread” that has sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic and herbs already baked into it. If your bakery has something similar I highly suggest it! If they only have garlic or herb French bread, then use that. There will probably be extra croutons – store in an airtight container or plastic bag.

      Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

      1. If your marinated chicken has been refrigerated, let sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes (time permitting).
      2. Meanwhile, grease and preheat the grill to medium heat, 375-450°F.
      3. Grill chicken undisturbed for 5-7 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through. (An inserted thermometer should read 165 degrees F.)  The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken.
      4. Remove chicken from grill and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
      No matter how you cook your chicken, you’ll want to devour its lemon basil goodness in every bite.  Move over croutons.

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      10 Comments

      1. Joshua Hampton says

        Wow. That salad looks beautiful. Nothing really beats homemade caesar salad dressing.

        Reply

        • Jen says

          Thank you so much Joshua! and I totally agree – homemade Caesar dressing is the best! It makes the salad!

          Reply

      2. Candy Harrison says

        My husband and I just made this salad for dinner. It’s fantastic. The combination of ingredients come together in your mouth like clockwork, the marinade for the chicken is delicious, and the dreassing light and fresh (not typical for Ceasar). Truly delicious. We were just telling each other you don’t enouxter a Ceasar salad with so much dimension. Thanks!

        Reply

        • Jen says

          You are so welcome Candy, I am so happy you loved it and so appreciate you taking the time to comment!

          Reply

      3. Gail Wilson says

        Jen,
        Another absolutely wonderful recipe! We had this tonight. The lemon chicken was wonderful on top of the romaine lettuce. The salad dressing made the meal! So unusual to find good caesar dressing that doesn’t feel heavy and have 1,000 calories per serving. Yours is perfect! Thanks so much for sharing. This will be on our regular menu rotation now.

        Reply

        • Jen says

          Thank you so much for the high praise Gail! I’m so pleased you loved the dressing so much and that it will be on repeat!

          Reply

      4. Rita says

        I am looking forward to making this for my family as it sounds fabulous like the rest of your recipes, many of which I have tried and not been disappointed.

        Reply

        • Jen says

          Thank you so much Rita, I hope this becomes a new favorite!

          Reply

      5. Joanne says

        I am making your Caesar dressing right now. Can’t wait to taste it! Can you please tell me how long the dressing will keep in the fridge?

        Reply

        • Jen says

          Hi Joanne! It will keep in the fridge for 2-3 weeks in an airtight container. Hope you love it!

          Reply

      The Face Behind the Recipes

      Welcome to my food blog with all my favorite cravings! I am Jennifer, a lover of food and sharing my recipes. I am a cystic fibrosis survivor, lung & kidney transplant recipient, LOVER of life and FOOD. Start browsing recipes and subscribe to my weekly free newsletter! Read more about me here.

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