Our chicken Caesar salad combines crisp romaine, tender cooked chicken, crunchy croutons, and a creamy homemade Caesar dressing. It comes together in under 30 minutes and is best finished with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan for bright, savory flavor.
When it comes to salad recipes, a chicken Caesar is a classic I rarely pass up. It’s filling, crunchy, and the dressing is the real star. Our version uses a tangy, creamy dressing made from Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon, and a touch of anchovy paste for that unmistakable umami boost. The result is a flavorful, easy-to-make salad that works as a weeknight main, a quick lunch, or a hearty side.
What You Need for Chicken Caesar Salad
- Romaine lettuce: Crisp romaine forms the base and adds excellent crunch.
- Cooked chicken: Use any cooked chicken you prefer — grilled, pan-seared, or oven-baked all work well. Sliced or diced breast is a common choice.
- Caesar salad dressing: Homemade is recommended for the best flavor, but a quality store-bought dressing will also do in a pinch. Our homemade dressing recipe is included below.
- Extra veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables to bulk up the salad — cucumber, bell pepper, or lightly steamed broccoli are all great options.
- Toppings: Croutons for crunch and freshly grated Parmesan to finish the salad.
Substitutions + Variations
Different proteins: Swap the chicken for salmon, shrimp, or tofu to change the flavor and accommodate dietary preferences.
More vegetables: Add whatever you have on hand — sliced bell peppers, thinly sliced celery, or roasted cauliflower add texture and nutrients.
Vegetarian option: Omit the chicken and anchovy paste to keep the salad vegetarian. Use extra Parmesan and a plant-based protein like grilled tofu or chickpeas if you want more substance.
Our Favorite Caesar Salad Dressing
Our homemade Caesar dressing is rich, tangy, and easy to prepare. Instead of raw egg yolk found in some traditional recipes, this version uses Greek yogurt and mayonnaise for a creamy, safe-to-eat base. The anchovy paste provides depth, while lemon juice and zest brighten the flavor. Use this dressing to toss with the lettuce and finish with Parmesan and croutons.
Make it!
Homemade Caesar Dressing
To make the dressing: combine plain Greek yogurt and mayonnaise, add finely grated Parmesan, anchovy paste, fresh lemon juice and zest, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth and adjust seasoning to taste.
Easy Ways to Cook Chicken
Stovetop (pan-seared): Sear chicken breast in butter or olive oil over medium-high heat about 8–12 minutes total, flipping once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest before slicing.
Grilled: Grill chicken breasts over medium-high heat for roughly 15–18 minutes, turning once, until they reach 165°F internally. Rest before slicing.
Oven-baked: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature is 165°F. Allow the chicken to rest briefly before cutting.
Need more ideas?
6 Baked Chicken Breast Recipes
If you want tips for perfectly baked chicken or flavor variations, try different marinades and seasonings to keep your salads interesting week after week.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Caesar salad works well as a main course or a side. It pairs nicely with a variety of Italian or family-style mains for a complete meal. Try it alongside meatballs and spaghetti, a cheesy lasagna, or a lighter pasta with tomatoes and fresh basil. For vegetarian meals, serve with a vegetable-forward main such as kale roll-ups or a caprese-style pasta with extra protein on the side.
Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe
This simple chicken Caesar salad is made with sliced chicken, shredded Parmesan, crunchy croutons, and a creamy homemade Caesar dressing. Serves 6.
Ingredients
Caesar Salad Dressing
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan
- 1.5 teaspoons anchovy paste (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Chicken Caesar Salad
- 8–10 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 2 cups croutons (any kind)
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups sliced cucumber (optional, halved into half-moons)
- 1–1.5 lbs cooked chicken breast, sliced or diced
- 1/2 cup prepared Caesar dressing (or more to taste)
Instructions
Caesar Salad Dressing
- Combine Greek yogurt and mayonnaise in a bowl. Stir in grated Parmesan, anchovy paste (if using), lemon juice and zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust lemon, salt, or anchovy to suit your preference.
Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, add chopped romaine, croutons, shredded Parmesan, and sliced cucumber.
- Top with sliced or diced cooked chicken.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss gently to combine, and serve immediately.
Nutrition (approx. per serving)
Calories: 492 kcal, Carbohydrates: 29 g, Protein: 52 g, Fat: 20 g, Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 2 g. Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline only.
More Chicken Salad Ideas
Chicken Salad Recipes
- Grilled Buffalo Chicken Salad
- Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Salad
- Sriracha Chicken Salad
- Grilled Chicken Salad
Photography by: The Wooden Skillet