Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

The Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is a timeless classic that beautifully balances smoky, savory, and creamy flavors in one hearty yet refreshing dish. It’s a salad that can easily stand on its own as a full meal—especially when made with tender grilled chicken and homemade croutons.

The combination of marinated chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, and rich Caesar dressing makes it a favorite for lunch, dinner, or any time you crave something fresh yet filling. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide to making this salad completely from scratch—yes, including the croutons and dressing.

1. Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe (Yield: 4 Servings)

Ingredients

For the Croutons

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 cups ciabatta bread cubes

For the Chicken

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

For the Dressing

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup buttermilk
• 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Salad

• 2 heads romaine lettuce, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Cast Iron Grill Pan

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Croutons

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, grated garlic, and chopped parsley. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Spread the ciabatta cubes evenly on a baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil mixture over them, tossing gently to ensure each piece is well coated.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through, until the croutons are golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and grated garlic. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.

Place the chicken breasts in the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the marinade.

Let the chicken rest for at least 15–20 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for a deeper flavor.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Preheat a cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the pan to prevent sticking.

Place the marinated chicken breasts on the hot grill and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until fully cooked through and nicely charred.

Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly.

Step 4: Prepare the Caesar Dressing

In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, buttermilk, Parmesan, grated garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.

Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Season to taste with salt and pepper. Adjust consistency by adding a bit more buttermilk if you prefer a thinner dressing.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce.

Next, drizzle with a few tablespoons of the Caesar dressing and toss to coat evenly.

Add the sliced grilled chicken, croutons, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Finish with another light drizzle of dressing and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Serve immediately while the chicken is still warm and the croutons are crisp.

2. Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

To make the most flavorful and balanced Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, it helps to focus on a few key details. Start by marinating the chicken properly—lemon juice and zest don’t just add flavor, but also tenderize the meat for a juicy texture. Make sure to grill over medium-high heat for those beautiful char marks while avoiding dryness.

When making croutons, choose day-old ciabatta or French bread. Slightly stale bread crisps up perfectly without becoming rock-hard. For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle a pinch of Parmesan over the croutons in the last few minutes of baking.

The dressing is another vital component. Use fresh garlic and Parmesan for the best taste, and balance the flavors with just enough acidity from lemon juice. If you prefer a richer dressing, you can add a small spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream for extra creaminess.

When assembling the salad, always toss the lettuce lightly with dressing before adding toppings. This ensures even coating and prevents soggy spots. For presentation, layer the ingredients attractively—start with greens, then grilled chicken slices, followed by croutons and a final dusting of Parmesan cheese.

Lastly, if you want to prepare ahead, keep each component separate: store the dressing in a sealed jar, refrigerate the grilled chicken, and only combine everything right before serving to maintain the salad’s freshness and texture.

3. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing instead of homemade?

Yes, you can use a high-quality store-bought Caesar dressing if you’re short on time. However, making it from scratch adds freshness and allows you to control the flavor intensity.

What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier texture. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Can I cook the chicken on an outdoor grill instead of a grill pan?

Absolutely! An outdoor grill adds a lovely smoky flavor. Preheat the grill to medium-high, oil the grates, and cook the chicken as directed, flipping once for even grill marks.

How can I make this salad lower in calories?

To lighten up the dish, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the dressing, and skip the croutons or replace them with roasted chickpeas for extra crunch without the carbs.

How long will leftovers last?

If stored properly, grilled chicken and dressing can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Keep them separate from the lettuce and croutons to prevent sogginess. Assemble the salad fresh before serving.

Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the ciabatta bread with gluten-free bread for the croutons, or omit them altogether. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

4. Nutrition Information

This Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad recipe is a delicious balance of textures and flavors—from the tender, citrusy chicken to the crisp lettuce and creamy dressing. It’s a restaurant-worthy meal that’s easy to make at home. Whether served as a light dinner or a hearty lunch, it’s the perfect choice for anyone who loves a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying salad.