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Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Nutrition Facts
Amount per Serving
  • Calories: 220
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Total Fat: 6 g
    • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
    • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 125 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 2 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 0 g
  • Total Sugar: 0 g
    • Natural Sugar: 0 g
    • Added Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 660 mg

From run-of-the-mill to right-off-the-grill, this smoky spin on the classic chicken Caesar salad is fun and flavorful. It has charred and cheesy goodness, and you’ll score brownie points for the cool presentation. Also, you can grill the chicken and lettuce leaves simultaneously (I love to multi-task and save time). It’s a really nice change from the beloved classic.

Pro tip: I swap out carb-y croutons for toasted pecans or walnuts, as they deliver a similar crunch along with fabulous flavor and loads of nutrition. Also, when you’re seasoning the lettuce and chicken, you can choose to mist the lettuce and chicken breasts with olive oil spray or simply brush it on using 1 to 2 tablespoons EVOO. Caesar the day!

  • Prep time
  • Total Time
This recipe makes 2 servings (2 lettuce halves per serving)
Ingredients:
  • • 2 romaine hearts
  • • 1 large chicken breast
  • • ¾ to 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • • Ground black pepper to taste
  • • ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • • Sprinkling of toasted pecans or walnuts, optional*

*Place on baking sheet and roast in 350 oven for about 10 minutes. Watch closely so they don’t burn.

Preparation:

Slice the romaine hearts lengthwise, retaining the root which will hold the leaves together while grilling. Liberally mist both sides with olive oil spray (alternatively, you can brush on the olive oil) and sprinkle on half the salt and ground black pepper to taste.

Butterfly the chicken breast to create two medium-thin cutlets. Mist both sides with olive oil spray and sprinkle on the remaining salt and pepper.

Place the seasoned chicken and romaine hearts on the grill (medium to medium-high heat) for about 3 minutes per side, watching carefully to ensure the lettuce doesn’t burn (use tongs carefully to flip so the leaves stay intact). The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temp of 165. Transfer the chicken to a plate and slice into bite-size pieces.

To assemble, lay the lettuce on a plate and top with sliced chicken, parm cheese and a sprinkling of optional toasted walnuts or pecans. Drizzle on your favorite Caesar dressing or prepare my light version here, and dig in!

Nutrition provided without dressing. If using my homemade version, add 20 calories per tablespoon. Add 50 calories per Tablespoon of toasted nuts.

Wrap it up in this Chicken Caesar Wrap!