This Grilled Caesar Salad gives a yummy twist to a classic! Grilling the romaine adds a smoky flavor, and the creamy dressing ties everything together perfectly.
Plus, who doesn’t love crispy croutons and a sprinkle of parmesan on top? It’s so easy to whip up, and I often serve it as a fun side at summer cookouts!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Romaine Lettuce: This is the star of the salad! Romaine adds a nice crunch and fresh flavor. If you’re looking for something different, you can use kale or baby spinach instead, but remember they have different textures.
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is great for grilling. If you’re short on time, grilled shrimp or even tofu can be good substitutes for a lighter option.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds flavor and helps season the chicken. You can swap it with avocado oil if you prefer a milder taste or need an oil with a higher smoke point.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty touch. If you can’t find it, Pecorino Romano is a good alternative, or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
Caesar Dressing: You can make your own for a fresher taste, but store-bought is perfectly fine too. Look for one that’s made with real ingredients. If you want a lighter version, yogurt-based dressings work well.
How Can I Grill Chicken to Perfection?
Grilling chicken might seem tricky, but with some tips, it’s easy! The key is to ensure even cooking and juicy meat.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat to give those grill marks and flavor.
- Rub the chicken with olive oil and season well. This helps keep it moist and tasty.
- Grill each side for 6-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (75°C) in the center for safety.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices inside.
How to Make Grilled Caesar Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 large heads of romaine lettuce
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup homemade or store-bought croutons
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing (homemade or store-bought)
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Grilled Caesar Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 15-20 minutes to grill the chicken. In total, you can have this tasty meal ready in about 30-35 minutes. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Your Grill Ready:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. It’s important to have the grill nice and hot to get a good sear on the chicken.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While the grill heats up, take your chicken breasts and coat them with olive oil. Sprinkle salt and pepper over both sides to season. This will give your chicken great flavor!
3. Grill the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken on the grill. Cook it for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want to ensure it’s cooked through and no longer pink in the center. When done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest on a plate for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy!
4. Prepare the Romaine:
While the chicken is resting, wash your romaine lettuce and dry it well. Cut it into bite-sized pieces and put them in a large salad bowl. This will be the base of your salad!
5. Add Tasty Toppings:
Sprinkle the croutons over the romaine pieces. These will add a nice crunch to your salad.
6. Slice the Chicken:
Now that your chicken has rested, slice it into strips. Add the grilled chicken on top of your salad mixture.
7. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the Caesar dressing evenly over everything in the bowl. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients. Be careful not to mush everything together too much!
8. Finish with Cheese:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top for that rich, cheesy flavor we love in Caesar salads!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Grilled Caesar Salad is ready to go! Serve it up immediately, and if you’d like, add some lemon wedges on the side for a zesty finish. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful salad!
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you have pre-cooked chicken, just slice it up and add it to the salad. For the best flavor, consider heating the chicken in a skillet or microwave before adding to your salad; this will mimic the grilled taste and ensure it’s warm.
What Can I Substitute for Caesar Dressing?
If you’re looking for an alternative, you can use ranch dressing or a yogurt-based dressing for a lighter option. For a homemade version, blend yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and anchovies (or anchovy paste) together to create a tangy Caesar-like dressing!
How to Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this grilled Caesar salad vegan, replace the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas, and use a vegan Caesar dressing. You can also substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a store-bought vegan cheese alternative.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to avoid sogginess. To reheat, warm the chicken and enjoy it cold or at room temperature!
