Imagine a salad so irresistible that it transforms your ordinary lunch into a gourmet experience. Our Caesar Salad with Chicken isn't just another recipe – it's a flavor explosion that combines crisp romaine lettuce, succulent shredded chicken, and a perfectly balanced Caesar dressing that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you're a busy professional looking for a quick, nutritious meal or a food enthusiast seeking restaurant-quality flavors at home, this recipe is your ultimate solution to delicious, hassle-free dining.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups romaine lettuce
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Croutons for topping
Instructions
- Wash the romaine lettuce thoroughly under cold running water. Pat dry completely using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
- Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform size for even distribution and easy eating.
- If using pre-cooked chicken, shred it into small, consistent pieces using two forks or by hand. Ensure the chicken is at room temperature for better flavor integration.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce as the base layer of the salad.
- Sprinkle the shredded chicken evenly over the lettuce, distributing it throughout the salad.
- Drizzle Caesar dressing over the salad, using a spoon or salad tongs to gently toss and coat all ingredients thoroughly.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the salad, allowing it to settle between the lettuce and chicken pieces.
- Add croutons just before serving to maintain their crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
- Optionally, garnish with additional Parmesan shavings and freshly ground black pepper for enhanced flavor.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the salad at its freshest and crispiest state.
Tips
- Lettuce Preparation is Key: Always thoroughly dry your romaine lettuce to prevent a watery salad. Use a salad spinner or pat dry with clean kitchen towels.
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your chicken is at room temperature before adding to the salad for optimal flavor absorption.
- Dressing Technique: Dress the salad just before serving to maintain the perfect texture – this prevents soggy lettuce and keeps croutons crisp.
- Cheese Hack: Freshly grated Parmesan always tastes better than pre-packaged cheese. If possible, grate it yourself for maximum flavor.
- Crouton Timing: Add croutons at the very last moment to preserve their satisfying crunch.Pro tip: For an extra flavor boost, consider lightly toasting your croutons with a sprinkle of garlic powder before adding them to the salad!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 55mg
