So there I was, daydreaming of the ultimate lunch escape when it hit me: a Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad that’s not just food, but a moment—refreshing, hearty, and exactly the delicious adventure my taste buds were craving.
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is one of my go-to low-carb meals. I love using tender, boneless chicken breasts seasoned with garlic powder and Italian seasoning, which pairs perfectly with crisp Romaine lettuce.
Topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of low-carb Caesar dressing, it’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Low Carb Recipe Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: High in protein, helps build and repair tissues.
- Olive Oil: Source of healthy fats, supports heart health.
- Romaine Lettuce: Low-calorie, rich in vitamins A and K.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds calcium, a nutty flavor, and protein.
- Caesar Dressing: Creamy with herbs, a low-carb dressing option.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Offer antioxidants, lycopene, and vitamin C.
- Avocado: Provides healthy fats, creamy texture, and fiber.
- Garlic Powder: Enhances flavor, contains antioxidants, low-calorie.
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Low Carb Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing (use a low-carb version)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 1/2 avocado, sliced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional for added flavor)
How to Make this Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Low Carb Recipe
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and let rest.
4. While the chicken is grilling, prepare the salad base by spreading the chopped Romaine lettuce evenly on a large platter or in a bowl.
5. Slice the grilled chicken into thin strips and arrange over the Romaine lettuce.
6. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the salad.
7. Drizzle the low-carb Caesar dressing over the salad, ensuring even distribution.
8. Add the cherry tomatoes and sliced avocado on top, if using.
9. Optionally, squeeze the lemon juice over the entire salad for an extra burst of fresh flavor.
10. Toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well-coated with dressing, and serve immediately. Enjoy your Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad!
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Low Carb Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Grill
2. Tongs
3. Meat thermometer
4. Mixing bowl
5. Large platter or salad bowl
6. Chef’s knife
7. Cutting board
8. Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
9. Salad servers or large spoon and fork
10. Measuring spoons
FAQ
- What is the best way to grill the chicken for this salad?
First, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush each chicken breast with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear. - Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Yes, you can substitute Romaine with any leafy green of your choice, such as kale or spinach, for a different texture and flavor. - How do I make sure the salad remains low-carb?
Ensure you use a low-carb Caesar dressing and avoid any added croutons or high-carb toppings. - Is it necessary to use Parmesan cheese?
Parmesan adds a classic Caesar flavor, but you can use other hard cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano if you prefer. - What if I don’t have a grill?
You can cook the chicken in a stovetop grill pan or skillet. Just ensure it’s cooked through with a nice sear on the outside. - Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and chop the vegetables in advance, but it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp. - Are the tomatoes and avocado necessary?
These are optional, but they add freshness and creaminess to the salad. You can include or exclude them based on your preference.
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Low Carb Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be substituted with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Olive oil can be replaced with avocado oil for a milder flavor and higher smoke point.
- Garlic powder can be substituted with 2 cloves of fresh minced garlic for a more robust flavor.
- Italian seasoning can be swapped for a combination of dried oregano and basil if desired.
- Romaine lettuce can be replaced with mixed greens or kale for a different texture and nutritional profile.
Pro Tips
1. Marinate for Extra Flavor: For more depth in flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will allow the spices to penetrate deeper into the meat.
2. Grill Marks and Juiciness: To achieve perfect grill marks and keep the chicken juicy, only flip the chicken once during grilling. Start with high heat to sear and then reduce the heat to medium to finish cooking.
3. Chill the Lettuce: For a crisp and refreshing salad, rinse the Romaine lettuce in cold water and then let it sit in the fridge while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. Cold lettuce will enhance the texture and freshness of the salad.
4. Homemade Caesar Dressing: If time allows, consider making your own Caesar dressing for more control over the ingredients. Use ingredients like Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice for a healthier homemade version.
5. Serve Immediately: For the best texture and flavor, serve the salad immediately after tossing. The dressing will start to wilt the lettuce over time, so it’s best to enjoy the salad right away for the freshest taste.
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Low Carb Recipe
My favorite Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Low Carb Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Grill
2. Tongs
3. Meat thermometer
4. Mixing bowl
5. Large platter or salad bowl
6. Chef’s knife
7. Cutting board
8. Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
9. Salad servers or large spoon and fork
10. Measuring spoons
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing (use a low-carb version)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 1/2 avocado, sliced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional for added flavor)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and let rest.
4. While the chicken is grilling, prepare the salad base by spreading the chopped Romaine lettuce evenly on a large platter or in a bowl.
5. Slice the grilled chicken into thin strips and arrange over the Romaine lettuce.
6. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the salad.
7. Drizzle the low-carb Caesar dressing over the salad, ensuring even distribution.
8. Add the cherry tomatoes and sliced avocado on top, if using.
9. Optionally, squeeze the lemon juice over the entire salad for an extra burst of fresh flavor.
10. Toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well-coated with dressing, and serve immediately. Enjoy your Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad!