Print

Fresh Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Caesar Salad

fresh grilled lemon herb chicken caesar salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A fresh and flavorful grilled lemon herb chicken Caesar salad featuring smoky grilled chicken, tangy lemon, fragrant herbs, classic Caesar dressing, and crunchy homemade croutons. Perfect for light yet satisfying meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 large head of romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved or grated
  • 1 cup homemade croutons
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and toss to coat fully. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  2. Make the Caesar Dressing: While the chicken marinates, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside or refrigerate.
  3. Prepare the Croutons: Cut day-old bread into 1-inch cubes. Toss with olive oil, salt, and garlic powder. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes until golden and crispy.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through and charred, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
  5. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss chopped romaine with Caesar dressing until evenly coated. Arrange sliced grilled chicken on top, sprinkle with Parmesan shavings, and scatter croutons over the salad. Serve immediately.

Notes

Rest the chicken after grilling to keep it juicy. Toss salad just before serving to prevent sogginess. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked properly. Homemade croutons add better crunch than store-bought. For dairy-free, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and mayonnaise with vegan alternative. For gluten-free, skip croutons or use gluten-free bread.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken salad, lemon herb chicken, Caesar salad, homemade croutons, easy summer salad, healthy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/fresh-grilled-lemon-herb-chicken-caesar-salad-recipe-easy-5-step-guide/