CLASSIC CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD
This Classic Chicken Caesar Salad is a timeless favourite layered with vibrant romaine lettuce, tender cooked chicken breast, juicy cherry tomatoes and crisp croutons. This salad is topped with rich Caesar dressing and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, which delivers a perfect balance of creamy, savoury and crunchy textures. This Classic chicken Caesar salad is ideal for lunch or a light dinner. This salad is simple to prepare yet full of flavour. It also offers a healthy dose of protein and fibre, making it a satisfying and nutritious choice for busy days.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Lunch
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Mediterranean
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
No-Cook
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Summer, Picnic, Family Reunion, Spring, Potluck
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Healthy, Low Fat, Quick & Easy, High Fibre
DISH TYPE
Salad
INGREDIENTS
The preparation of Classic Chicken Caesar Salad involves the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons Caesar dressing
- ½ cup cooked chicken breast, chopped
- ½ cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- ¼ cup croutons
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Energy: 280 kilocalories
- Protein: 23 grams
- Fat: 15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4 grams
- Carbohydrates: 11 grams
- Sugars: 2 grams
- Fibre: 2 grams
- Sodium: 410 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 58 milligrams
PREPARATION
- Prepare Ingredients:Chop the cooked chicken breast into small and bite-sized pieces. Rinse and dry the romaine lettuce thoroughly, then chop it. Halve the cherry tomatoes using a sharp knife for even slices.
- Assemble The Salad Base:Begin layering with the chopped romaine lettuce at the bottom of a bowl or mason jar to keep it crisp and prevent sogginess.
- Add Protein And Vegetables:Layer the chopped chicken and halved cherry tomatoes over the lettuce. This builds texture and keeps the ingredients fresh and balanced.
- Drizzle The Dressing:Spoon the Caesar dressing over the top of the layered ingredients. You may gently toss if serving immediately or leave it layered if storing.
- Top With Parmesan And Croutons:Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a handful of croutons for added crunch and a rich, salty bite.
- Serve Or Store:Serve immediately for maximum crispness or seal and chill in the fridge. If storing, add croutons just before eating to maintain their crunch.
PREP TIME
10 minutes
COOKING TIME
0 minutes
TIPS
These tips can help you make a better Classic Chicken Caesar Salad:
- Use Pre-Cooked Or Leftover Chicken:Use pre-cooked or leftover chicken breast to save time during preparation.
- Pat Lettuce Leaves Dry:Always pat lettuce leaves dry after washing to prevent wilting and soggy textures.
- Mason Jar Version:For a mason jar version, layer dressing first, then chicken, tomatoes, and finally lettuce and croutons at the top.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan:Freshly grate Parmesan for better texture and flavour than packaged versions.
- Use High-Quality Caesar Dressing:Use a high-quality Caesar dressing to elevate the overall taste with fewer ingredients.
VARIATIONS
- Vegetarian Option:Replace chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for plant-based protein.
- Low-Carbohydrate Version:Omit croutons, increase chicken and leafy greens for a keto-friendly version.
- Add-Ons:Include extras like boiled egg slices, olives, avocado or cucumber for variety and extra nutrients.
- Gluten-Free Option:Use gluten-free croutons or toasted seeds for a crunchy alternative.
- Dairy-Free:Replace Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast, and use an optional dairy-free Caesar dressing.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration:Store in an airtight container or mason jar for up to 2 days. Keep dressing and croutons separate if prepping in advance.
- Make-Ahead Tip:Assemble all layers except the dressing and croutons when meal prepping. Add them fresh before serving.
- Freezing:Not suitable for freezing, because lettuce and tomatoes do not retain their texture once thawed.
- Batch Preparation:Multiply ingredients to make 3 to 4 jars at once for weekday lunches or packed meals.