HEALTHY GRILLED CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD
Healthy Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is a fresh, protein-rich meal that combines lean grilled chicken breast with crisp romaine lettuce, a light Caesar dressing, crunchy croutons and Parmesan cheese. This salad is perfect for those who love the classic Caesar taste but want a healthier version with reduced fat and calories. Grilled chicken adds a hearty, satisfying element, while the crisp romaine provides vitamins and fibre. Salt and pepper enhance the taste of salad. The light Caesar dressing gives it a creamy, tangy flavour without being overly heavy. This salad delivers taste and nourishment, making it a high-protein meal option, whether you’re looking for a nutritious lunch or a light dinner. It’s easy to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for meal prep or a quick and healthy meal on a busy day.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Lunch, Dinner, Salad
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
American
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Grill, Quick & Easy, No-Cook
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Weeknight Meal, Meal Prep, Family Gathering, Summer
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
High Protein, Low Fat, Quick & Easy, Healthy
DISH TYPE
Salad, Main Course
INGREDIENTS
There are the following ingredients for Healthy Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad:
- 100g grilled chicken breast, sliced
- 50g romaine lettuce
- 1 tbsp light Caesar dressing
- 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp croutons
- Salt & pepper, to taste
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fibre: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
PREPARATION
- Prepare The Chicken: If not pre-grilled, season the chicken breast with salt and pepper, then grill over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy texture.
- Prepare The Lettuce: Wash and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Pat dry with a paper towel for extra crispness. Using a salad spinner is an excellent way to remove excess water and keep the leaves crunchy.
- Assemble The Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine, sliced grilled chicken and croutons. Toss the ingredients gently to distribute them evenly.
- Add The Dressing: Drizzle the light Caesar dressing over the salad and toss again to coat evenly. Make sure the dressing is evenly spread to enhance the overall flavour without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
- Garnish And Serve: Sprinkle-grated Parmesan cheese on top, season with salt and pepper if needed and serve immediately. A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice can enhance the flavour and add brightness to the dish.
PREP TIME
10 minutes
COOKING TIME
10 minutes (if grilling the chicken)
TIPS
Here are the tips for the preparation of Healthy Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad:
- Marinate The Chicken: For extra flavour, marinate the chicken in lemon juice, garlic and olive oil for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This enhances the taste and keeps the chicken tender.
- Crispier Croutons: Toast croutons in the oven for 5 minutes at 180°C (350°F) for added crunch and a golden brown texture.
- Healthier Alternative: Swap croutons for roasted chickpeas for extra protein and fibre while keeping the crunch.
- Lighter Dressing: Use Greek yoghurt mixed with lemon juice, garlic and Dijon mustard for a healthier Caesar dressing alternative.
- Extra Freshness: Add cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers or avocado for more texture, flavour and nutrients.
VARIATIONS
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free croutons or omit them entirely to keep the salad gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Replace Parmesan with a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour without the dairy.
- Extra Protein: Add a boiled egg, chickpeas or grilled shrimp to boost the protein content.
- Spicy Version: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or use a spicy Caesar dressing for added heat.
- Keto-Friendly: Remove the croutons and add extra avocado or cheese to make the salad more keto-friendly.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store salad ingredients separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Keeping the dressing separate prevents the lettuce from becoming soggy.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as lettuce does not freeze well and will become limp when thawed. However, grilled chicken can be frozen and used later.
- Meal Prep Tip: For easy meal prep, store chopped romaine, sliced chicken and Parmesan cheese in a container. Keep croutons and dressing in separate small containers to add just before serving.