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Bright grilled chicken and silky avocado make this Caesar salad a craveable main dish any night of the week. The homemade dressing is bold and tangy while bacon adds a welcome smoky crunch. I love tossing this together for easy dinners or lazy lunches when I want something fresh but super satisfying.
The first time I tried grilled chicken and avocado in a Caesar salad it completely changed the game for me. Now my friends beg for this one anytime I have them over.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenders or boneless skinless breasts: Provides juicy protein and grills up quickly Choose chicken that is pink with no grey spots for best results
- Olive oil: Moistens the chicken and boosts flavor Pick a good quality extra virgin variety for rich taste
- Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper: Bring out the flavor in every bite Always use freshly ground pepper if you can for a bright taste
- Bacon: Offers crunchy salty notes Use thick cut bacon for bigger pieces
- Romaine lettuce: Stays crisp and sturdy for the perfect base Choose heads with bright green leaves and no browning
- Cherry tomatoes: Add bursts of sweetness and color Pick firm tomatoes with shiny skins
- Hard boiled eggs: Bring richness and a creamy bite Use eggs that are a few days old for easier peeling
- Avocado: Adds creaminess and buttery flavor Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but do not feel mushy
- Parmesan cheese: Shaved parmesan creates nutty salty layers Opt for a block of parmesan you can shave yourself for max freshness
- Croutons: Offer crunch and soak up the dressing Try making your own from day old bread for bonus flavor
- Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy dressing base Full fat gives the best body
- Garlic cloves: Minced for bold savory flavor Choose plump cloves without green sprouts
- Anchovy paste: Delivers classic Caesar depth Find it near canned tuna and use a squeeze for that signature flavor
- Fresh lemon juice: Provides zing Bright freshly squeezed lemon makes all the difference
- Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle bite and body Go for smooth dijon versus whole grain
- Worcestershire sauce: Deepens the umami notes You just need a splash
- Salt and freshly ground pepper: Season the dressing to bring everything together Taste and adjust as you like
- Olive oil: Blends into the dressing for a lush texture Stream it in slowly while whisking for a silky result
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Caesar Dressing:
- In a small bowl combine the mayonnaise minced garlic anchovy paste lemon juice Dijon mustard Worcestershire sauce grated parmesan salt pepper and olive oil Whisk thoroughly until smooth and creamy Set aside or chill until ready to use
- Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill to medium high heat Pat chicken dry then rub with olive oil and season generously with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper Grill the chicken for five minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches one hundred sixty five degrees Let rest for five minutes before slicing which keeps the meat juicy
- Assemble the Salad:
- Chop the romaine lettuce into bite sized pieces and scatter into a large salad bowl Arrange warm sliced grilled chicken crispy bacon halves of cherry tomatoes creamy avocado and sliced hard boiled eggs on top
- Dress the Salad:
- Drizzle the prepared Caesar dressing over the top then toss gently to combine so everything gets lightly coated
- Finish and Serve:
- Finish with a generous handful of croutons and plenty of shaved parmesan cheese Give a few twists of fresh ground black pepper and dig in while the chicken is still warm
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My favorite ingredient in this salad has to be the avocado It brings a creamy coolness that balances perfectly against the salty bacon and rich Caesar dressing It always reminds me of the big weekend salads my mom would make for us after a hike in the canyon
Storage Tips
If you want to store leftovers it is best to keep all the components separate Only combine the salad with dressing when ready to serve to keep greens crisp Cooked chicken will keep in the fridge for up to three days and hard boiled eggs last up to one week
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Ingredient Substitutions
For a lighter option swap mayonnaise in the dressing for Greek yogurt Turkey bacon works instead of pork Bacon can be skipped for a vegetarian version Try kale instead of romaine if you want a heartier green
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad as a satisfying lunch or dinner Just add crusty bread on the side to soak up extra dressing For parties arrange all components on a big platter so guests can build their own
Cultural and Historical Context
Caesar salad was created in Tijuana by Italian immigrant Caesar Cardini in the nineteen twenties He never included avocado or chicken originally but these modern classic additions turn the salad into a full meal Perfect proof that recipes just get better as they are shared and adapted
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I keep the chicken moist when grilling?
Brush chicken with olive oil and avoid overcooking. Let it rest before slicing to retain juices.
- → Can I substitute another protein for chicken?
Yes, grilled shrimp or sliced steak work well. Adjust cooking times as needed for your chosen protein.
- → Is homemade Caesar dressing necessary?
Homemade dressing offers fresh flavor, but you may use a high-quality store-bought version for convenience.
- → How can I make the salad lighter?
Reduce bacon, choose light mayonnaise for the dressing, and add more fresh vegetables or greens.
- → What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Keep dressing separate from greens and toppings. Assemble portions just before serving to maintain texture.