Quick and Delicious Easy Chicken Caesar Salad
In the whirlwind of daily life, finding a meal that is both quick to prepare and delicious can sometimes feel daunting. Yet, the solution might just be a classic dish with a modern twist: the Easy Chicken Caesar Salad. This recipe is a testament to simplicity, versatility, and taste, making it a perfect choice for any meal, whether you’re short on time or looking to impress guests without the hassle.
If you are like me and grew a ton of romaine lettuce, this is a great way to use it up!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Caesar Salad
This Easy Chicken Caesar Salad is not your traditional Caesar. By omitting anchovies and introducing flexible protein options like tofu or vegan meat, this recipe stands out as a quick, inclusive meal suitable for various dietary preferences. Whether you’re craving a fulfilling main course or a light side salad, this recipe adapts to your needs effortlessly.
Equipment and Ingredients: Simplified for Your Convenience
Forget about the lengthy preparation times and endless washing up. With minimal equipment required—potentially just an air fryer and a salad spinner—this recipe keeps things straightforward. The ingredients list is equally uncomplicated, featuring accessible items like chicken breasts, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a few pantry staples for the dressing and croutons.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Caesar Salad
From washing and drying your produce to the final assembly of the salad, each step is designed for ease and efficiency. The use of an air fryer for both the homemade croutons and the chicken not only speeds up the cooking process but also ensures a healthier outcome by minimizing oil usage. The dressing, a creamy blend of mayo, olive oil, lemon, and Parmesan, ties the whole dish together with a tangy and savory flavor that’s hard to resist.
Versatility at Its Best
What sets this Caesar salad apart is its adaptability. Hosting vegetarians? Swap the chicken for tofu or a vegan meat alternative. Looking to make it vegan? The recipe includes suggestions for plant-based substitutes for mayo and Parmesan cheese, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful dish.
A Recipe That Caters to All
Whether you’re making a quick dinner for yourself, a side salad for family meals, or a hearty dish for guests, this Easy Chicken Caesar Salad is designed to cater to different needs and tastes. With options to halve the recipe for smaller servings or substitute ingredients for dietary restrictions, it’s a versatile addition to any meal plan.
Ready to Try our Caesar Salad?
Jump to RecipeThis Easy Chicken Caesar Salad recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a versatile, delicious solution for busy days, special occasions, or whenever you need a quick and satisfying dish. With its simple preparation, customizable ingredients, and undeniable flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Remember, cooking is all about making it your own. Don’t hesitate to adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. And if you’re interested in the vegan cheese substitute mentioned, let us know in the comments below!
This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. Learn more on my Affiliate Disclosure Page.
Here are some curated items that make preparing this recipe a blast!
Easy Chicken Caesar Salad
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer optional
- 1 Salad Spinner optional
Ingredients
Croutons
- 1 small ciabatta roll
- 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp pepper, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning divided
Dressing
- 1/2 ea lemon juice and zest
- 4 tbsp olive oil divided
- 2 tbsp mustard I like dijon for this recipe
- 4 tbsp mayo
- 3 cloves garlic grated or minced
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
The Rest
- 2 ea chicken breasts, boneless and skinless if low on time, you can buy and shred a rotisserie chicken
- 1 head romaine lettuce
- 1/2 pint cherry tomatoes
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Wash and dry all your produce and preheat your air fryer or oven to 400 degrees. While you are waiting for your air fryer to heat up, zest your lemon and cut into halves. Halve your tomatoes and cut your ciabatta bread into small 1 inch cubes.
- Toss the ciabatta cubes in olive oil (approximately 1 tbsp.), 1/2 tsp of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Fry the cubes in the air fryer for approximately 4-5 minutes keeping a close eye on them as they can burn rather quickly. You want these to be a nice crunchy crouton. Once cooked, set the croutons aside to cool.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and if uneven in size, cover with plastic film and pound the chicken to an even thickness. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper and your remaining 1/2 tsp of Italian seasoning. Spray the chicken with cooking spray and cook in your air fryer for approximately 20 minutes. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees. Rest the chicken until you are ready to serve.
- While the chicken finishes cooking, it's time to make the dressing. In a large salad or mixing bowl, whisk together the mayo, olive oil, lemon zest, minced garlic, parmesan cheese and juice from half of the lemon, and salt and pepper to taste. You want the dressing to be a nice consistency, but don't over mix. Sometimes when over-mixing, the olive oil can become bitter..
- Now it's time to assemble! Add your romaine lettuce, halved tomatoes, and croutons to the bowl with the dressing. Mix it up until well combined and place on your service plates or platter. Top with your sliced chicken and enjoy!
