Chicken Caesar salad is a popular recipe that is easy to make and ready in 5 minutes. It is a healthy and delicious main dish or side.
Many in my family are all about the salad when it comes to dinner. Well – if I’m being honest, they love it pretty much anytime after breakfast. So we make a variety of salads often around here.
One of our favorites is this Chicken Caesar Salad. It is so simple and easy to make with either ready-made ingredients or homemade versions too. I know you’ll love this as much as we do.
The best part about this salad is that when you add the chicken, it can double as a main dish – instead of just being a starter or side.
The family likes to deviate from the traditional Caesar ingredients by adding all of their typical salad favorites. Often we are serving a hybrid between this Caesar and Chef salad – which is not only delicious but filling too.
Here are some commonly asked questions
Where did Caesar salad originate?
There is some debate over the origins of Caesar salad. Some believe that it was invented by Italian-American restaurateur, Caesar Cardini, while others claim that it originated in Mexico with a similar dish called “ensalada de Chicken.”
Regardless of its origins, this salad has become a popular dish around the world and is enjoyed by many.
Can I make Chicken Caesar Salad ahead of time?
Chicken Caesar salad can be made ahead of time, but it is best if eaten within a day or two. To make it ahead of time, cook the chicken and chop the lettuce.
Toss all of the ingredients together – EXCEPT THE DRESSING. When you are ready to eat, simply give it another toss – then add the dressing and toss again and serve.
CAN I FREEZE CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD?
It is not recommended to freeze Chicken Caesar salad, as the ingredients may become soggy or lose their flavor when frozen.
However, you can make Chicken Caesar salad ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This dish is best enjoyed fresh and is a great option for meal prep on a busy week.
How long will Chicken Caesar Salad last in the fridge?
Chicken Caesar salad will last in the fridge for 3-4 days. Be sure to store the dressing separately from the salad so that it does not get soggy. This salad is a great dish to meal prep for the week ahead.
Ingredients for Chicken Caesar Salad
- deli prepared grilled chicken or homemade grilled chicken – sliced
- lettuce
- croutons
- parmesan cheese
- Caesar dressing
- pepper
What chicken to use for this salad?
Well- the best part about this salad is that you can use pretty much any type of chicken you like. You can pick up a rotisserie chicken or use your own homemade, leftover grilled chicken breasts, baked chicken breasts, grilled chicken thighs, air fryer chicken breasts, shredded Instant Pot chicken, Dutch oven chicken, crispy baked chicken, or beer braised slow cooker pulled chicken. The sky is the limit when it comes to how you can dress up this salad.
How to Make Chicken Caesar Salad
- Combine the prepared chicken, lettuce, croutons, parmesan cheese, dressing, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Toss to combine before serving.
How can I make this salad healthier?
This salad can be made healthier by using grilled chicken, low-fat cheese, and homemade Caesar dressing using yogurt instead of mayo. It can also be made with whole wheat croutons for an added boost of fiber. This salad is a great way to get your daily intake of vegetables.
Ingredients in Caesar Dressing
- freshly squeezed lemon juice
- minced garlic or garlic paste
- Worcestershire sauce
- anchovy paste
- Dijon mustard
- mayonnaise
- finely grated parmesan cheese
- salt
- black pepper
Be sure to check out my recipe for Chunky Caesar Dressing to make your own!
Can I make Caesar dressing without anchovies?
Chicken Caesar salad is typically made with chicken, lettuce, croutons, cheese, and the classic Caesar dressing – which a lot of people don’t know, has minced anchovies or anchovy paste in it. I’m sorry – but it’s true.
However, you can make Caesar dressing without anchovies if you prefer. It just won’t have that classic Caesar dressing flavor that you love – even if it does have the anchovies in it.
Products I love when making this salad…
This recipe is SUPER EASY and delicious – and if you’re like me, then you maybe already have some of these items on hand OR maybe you have never made a recipe like this before, & you might be a bit nervous – but you’re going to love it. I have made a list below of the things I absolutely can’t live without when it comes to making this delicious recipe. (you can also SHOP MY FAVORITES in my store)
If you love this Easy Chicken Caesar Salad recipe, you’re going to love these other sides too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
Other Delicious Salads
Greek Feta Chicken Pasta Salad
If you love this recipe for Homemade Chicken Caesar Salad as much as I do, please write a five-star review, and be sure to help me share on Facebook and Pinterest!
CONNECT WITH YUMMI HAUS!
Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you never miss a post!
PIN THIS TO SAVE FOR LATER
Chicken Caesar Salad
Ingredients
- 3 pounds deli prepared grilled chicken or homemade grilled chicken – sliced
- 11.5 ounces lettuce
- 1 cup croutons
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 3 ounces Caesar dressing
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Combine the prepared chicken, lettuce, croutons, parmesan cheese, dressing and pepper in a large bowl.
- Toss to combine before serving.
Notes
- Chicken can be added hot or cold.
- Try additional toppings; tomatoes, sliced hardboiled eggs, and red bell peppers.
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
Share Your Thoughts