Name: Chicken Caesar Salad with Creamy Yogurt Dressing
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487081H50M41S
Total time: PT-487081H50M41S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling); 1 head of Romaine lettuce, chopped; 1/2 cup homemade or store-bought croutons; 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; For the Creamy Yogurt Dressing:; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper, to taste

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This Chicken Caesar Salad with Creamy Yogurt Dressing is a healthier twist on the classic Caesar salad. Tender grilled chicken is paired with crisp Romaine lettuce, crunchy homemade croutons, and a creamy yogurt-based dressing that’s rich and tangy but lighter than the traditional version. The yogurt dressing provides the same creamy texture you love in a Caesar salad but with the added benefits of probiotics and less fat. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Caesar Salad with Creamy Yogurt Dressing gives you all the flavor of a classic Caesar salad with a fresh, healthier spin. The grilled chicken adds lean protein, while the creamy dressing made with Greek yogurt keeps the salad light but still indulgent. The homemade croutons bring a crunchy texture, and the freshly grated Parmesan gives that irresistible, salty finish. It’s a balanced and delicious meal that’s full of flavor and perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a classic Caesar with a healthy twist.

Chicken Caesar Salad with Creamy Yogurt Dressing

Ingredients

For the Salad:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
1 head of Romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 cup homemade or store-bought croutons
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

For the Creamy Yogurt Dressing:

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

2. Make the Creamy Yogurt Dressing:

In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the lemon juice or garlic if you prefer a tangier or more garlicky flavor.

3. Assemble the Salad:

In a large bowl, toss the chopped Romaine lettuce with the creamy yogurt dressing until evenly coated.
Add the sliced grilled chicken on top of the salad and sprinkle with croutons and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

4. Serve:

Serve immediately, garnished with extra croutons and Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy with a side of bread or a light soup for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2-3
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes (for chicken)
Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Add Veggies: Feel free to add veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or avocado to make the salad even more filling.
Different Proteins: You can substitute the grilled chicken with grilled shrimp, turkey, or even a hard-boiled egg for variety.
Make It Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add more protein-rich ingredients like chickpeas, beans, or tofu.
Extra Flavor: For added flavor, top the salad with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or extra Parmesan crisps.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing will keep for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
Reheating: Reheat the grilled chicken in the microwave or a skillet over low heat. Don’t reheat the entire salad, as the greens and croutons will get soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the creamy yogurt dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just give it a good stir before using.

2. Can I use store-bought dressing instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use store-bought Caesar dressing, but homemade dressing made with Greek yogurt is much lighter and healthier.

3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! You can absolutely use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the thickness of the thighs.

4. Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Yes, you can swap Romaine lettuce for other greens like kale, spinach, or mixed greens. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may change slightly.

5. Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, you can make this salad vegan by using a vegan mayo and omitting the Parmesan cheese or substituting it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also use tofu or tempeh as the protein source.

6. Can I make the croutons at home?

Absolutely! To make homemade croutons, simply cube some bread, toss it with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until golden and crispy.

7. Can I add more spice to this salad?

If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or sprinkle some cayenne pepper over the salad for an extra kick.

8. Can I use a different cheese in the dressing?

You can experiment with different cheeses, such as goat cheese, feta, or blue cheese. However, Parmesan works best in this recipe for its classic Caesar flavor.

9. How can I make the salad less salty?

To reduce the salt content, use a low-sodium mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese. You can also skip adding extra salt to the dressing and taste for seasoning before serving.

10. How do I keep the salad fresh if I’m making it for meal prep?

To keep the salad fresh for meal prep, store the salad and dressing separately. Keep the chicken and croutons in an airtight container to prevent them from getting soggy, and add the dressing just before serving.

Conclusion

Chicken Caesar Salad with Creamy Yogurt Dressing is a lighter, healthier version of the classic salad without sacrificing flavor. With the tender grilled chicken, crisp greens, and tangy homemade dressing, this salad is both satisfying and nutritious. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a filling dinner, or as part of a larger spread. With the creamy yogurt dressing, this version is a little less heavy but still full of the creamy goodness you love. Enjoy this refreshing and flavorful twist on a classic!