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Home By Meal

Healthy Chicken Caesar Salad

★★★★★ 53 Reviews Recipe Print
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By: Erin3/11/21

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Healthy Chicken Caesar Salad
Healthy Chicken Caesar Salad

Step up your salad game with Healthy Chicken Caesar Salad. It’s the ultimate protein-rich dish that features Greek yogurt, fresh French bread, and lots of parmesan!

chicken caesar salad

The best salad with healthy caesar dressing

When life hands you chicken, pair it with fresh French bread and Greek yogurt and create a healthy chicken caesar salad! From the chicken and dressing to the salad and croutons, we’re making it all from scratch – the healthy way!

This healthy chicken caesar salad recipe uses real, flavorful ingredients. It all comes together as a juicy, refreshing salad that’s equally as filling and satisfying as it is yummy! Between the carefully (and simply) seasoned chicken and the totally loaded dressing, we’re pulling out all the stops to make this dish.

It’s perfect as an appetizer, side, or main course!

pouring dressing on chicken caesar salad

Ingredients in healthy caesar salad

Since we’re making this dish from scratch in all areas, we’re working with four sections of ingredients: the chicken, croutons, dressing, and salad. We’ll prepare everything in that order.

Chicken

  • Chicken breasts: First up, you’ll need 3 large chicken breasts, butterflied and cut in half through the middle. This will amount to 6 thin pieces.
  • Salt & pepper: A dash of salt and pepper goes a very long way!
  • Avocado oil: 2 tbsp of avocado oil will be used to cook the chicken.

Croutons

  • French bread: To make croutons, start with 1/2 a loaf of French bread, and cut it into cubes.
  • Avocado oil: 2 tbsp of avocado oil will be drizzled over the bread pieces to help them bake to golden perfection.
  • Garlic: Include 2 cloves of minced garlic for flavor.
  • Salt & pepper: Last but not least, include a pinch of salt and pepper.

Dressing

  • Greek yogurt: 1/3 cup of plain Greek yogurt will serve as the base of our dressing.
  • Mayonnaise: This will be followed by 1/3 cup of mayo, our other base ingredient.
  • Parmesan: Next up, use 3 tbsp of parmesan cheese for flavor (and always appreciated cheesiness).
  • Garlic: Include 2 cloves of minced garlic.
  • Lemon juice: 1 tbsp of lemon juice will add zest. Though only 1 tbsp, this ingredient adds so much to the dish!
  • Worcestershire sauce: Next, include 1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce.
  • Dijon mustard: 2 tsp of dijon mustard adds a tangy but slightly spicy taste.
  • Anchovy paste: 2 tsp anchovy paste provides that classic caesar dressing flavor!
  • Avocado oil: Include 1 tbsp of avocado oil for texture.
  • Salt and Pepper: Last but not least, add 1/2 tsp of salt and pepper (each).

Salad

  • Romaine: For the salad, start with 3 whole hearts of romaine, chopped into small pieces.
  • Parmesan: Finish things off with 1/3 cup of parmesan cheese! You can never have too much of this ingredient.
makings of chicken caesar salad

Tools needed to make this dish

Standard tools are needed to create caesar salad, in addition to 4 measuring cups. I like to gather all of my tools beforehand so everything is right where I need it when I’m ready for it.

  • Cutting board
  • Chopping knife
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cast iron skillet
  • Spatula or tongs

You’ll need the following measuring cups to measure out your ingredients: 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, 1 tbsp, and 1/3 cup.

chicken in cast iron skillet

How to make healthy chicken caesar salad

Consisting of four parts, healthy caesar chicken salad comes together much easier than you may expect. We’ll start by cooking the chicken on the stove, followed by baking the croutons and mixing the dressing. Finally, we’ll assemble the salad!

First up is the chicken. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a cast iron skillet, heat 2 tbsp of avocado oil.

Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.

Cook the chicken in the skillet until completely cooked, flipping halfway. Remove from the heat when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

While the chicken is cooking, mix the bread cubes in a bowl with avocado oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Pour the tossed bread onto the parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Toss halfway through.

Then, to make the dressing, whisk all of the ingredients together in a bowl. Taste and adjust to your seasoning needs.

Prep the salad by adding the lettuce to a big bowl and tossing with 2/3 of the dressing.

Add the sliced chicken, croutons, parmesan cheese, and remaining dressing on top.

caesar dressing

Recipe Tips

Here are some quick tips for making homemade chicken caesar salad.

Chicken temperature
Chicken should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F before being removed from the heat.

Store bought caesar dressing
You can most definitely use your favorite store-bought dressing for this recipe if that’s easier for you! The dressing is a big part of the healthy twist that this recipe provides, but whatever you prefer totally works.

Skipping the anchovy paste
Not a fan of anchovies, or just prefer the dressing without? Skip the paste! This simple swap won’t alter the flavor too extremely. In fact, the lemon juice should hide the fact that it’s missing!

Healthy caesar salad benefits

To make this caesar salad healthier than what you’d find in a restaurant or grab-and-go container, I paid special attention to the dressing. The dressing in caesar salad is where you get the bulk of the calories (as is the case with most salads), so this was a main focus!

To achieve a healthier result, I went with a Greek yogurt and mayonnaise combo versus using solely mayo. This cut the mayo in half and snuck in extra protein at the same time! I stuck with the dijon, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce because you can never go wrong with too many flavorings.

In total, this salad provides a lot of benefits. Protein is a big one, with grams flowing in from the chicken, Greek yogurt, and even the parmesan! Other nutrients that this dish provides include calcium, fiber, and Vitamin C.

Storing leftover caesar salad

Have extras? You can keep them for about 2-4 days. I recommend storing all parts (chicken, salad, croutons, dressing) separately to prevent soggy croutons or dressing-drenched lettuce! If stored this way, your leftovers should stay crunchy.

makings of chicken caesar salad

If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!

Chicken recipes are great for filling bellies and providing lean, healthy protein. Here are some more of my chicken favorites, complete with a classic (but healthy) chicken parmesan and a creamy buffalo chicken soup!

  • Cranberry Chicken Casserole
  • Healthy Baked Chicken Parmesan
  • Creamy Buffalo Chicken Soup
  • Buffalo Chicken Sweet Potato Casserole

If you make this recipe, be sure to comment below and let me know how it was! Also tag @erinliveswhole on Instagram and use the hashtag #erinliveswhole so I can see it and feature you!

Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by The Mindful Hapa

chicken caesar salad
★★★★★ 5 from 53 reviews

Healthy Chicken Caesar Salad

Step up your salad game with Healthy Chicken Caesar Salad. It’s the ultimate protein-rich dish that features Greek yogurt, fresh French bread, and lots of parmesan!

Prep: 20Cook: 20Total: 40 minutes
Yield 8 servings 1x
Print Pin it Rate

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 3 large chicken breasts, butterflied and cut in half through the middle to make thinner and make 6 pieces.
  • salt + pepper
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil

Croutons

  • 1/2 loaf French bread, cut into cubes
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • salt + pepper

Dressing

  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/3 cup mayo
  • 3 tbsp parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp dijon mustard
  • 2 tsp anchovy paste
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper

Salad

  • 3 whole hearts of romaine, chopped
  • 1/3 cup parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a cast iron skillet or skillet, heat 2 tbsp avocado oil.
  3. Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
  4. Cook in skillet until completely cooked, flipping half way. Take off when internal temp reaches 165F.
  5. Meanwhile, mix bread cubes in bowl with avocado oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  6. Pour onto parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown, tossing halfway through.
  7. Make dressing by whisking all of the dressing ingredients together in a bowl. Taste and adjust to seasoning needs.
  8. Prep salad by adding lettuce to a big bowl and tossing with 2/3 of the dressing.
  9. Add sliced chicken, croutons, parmesan cheese and remaining dressing on top.
  10. Serve!
Author: Erin MorrisseyCategory: dinner, lunch, Salad, gluten-freeMethod: no-bakeCuisine: AmericanDiet: Gluten Free
chicken caesar salad

Did you make this?

Leave a comment below and tag @erinliveswhole on social media!

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There may be affiliate links in this post! By purchasing a product I recommend, I may receive a small compensation. However, I only recommend products I absolutely love and use myself. Thank you for supporting Erin Lives Whole, it helps keep this blog afloat 🙂

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Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Rebecca says

    Posted on 1/12 at 8:53 pm

    Holy moly! This was freakin’ delicious! The best Caesar dressing I’ve ever had.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/17 at 8:41 pm

      Hi Rebecca, so glad you loved it!!

      Reply
  2. Ashley says

    Posted on 12/26 at 9:33 am

    We made this last night without the chicken as a side salad for our Christmas dinner and it was a huge hit! We will be adding this to our regular rotation!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/27 at 4:13 pm

      Hi Ashley, so happy you loved it!

      Reply
  3. Alissa says

    Posted on 10/24 at 8:05 pm

    Hands down my favorite ceasar dressing ever! This recipe is my go-to when I can’t think of what to make for dinner. My boyfriend has said to several people that I make the best ceasar dressing, wish I could say it was my recipe- ha!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 10/25 at 3:17 pm

      Hi Alissa, so happy you both love it so much! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Ellie says

    Posted on 8/22 at 5:17 pm

    Wow!!! The best Caesar salad I’ve had – even better than restaurants. Curious how long the dressing lasts?

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/25 at 2:49 pm

      Hi Ellie, so glad you loved it!! Up to a week.

      Reply
  5. Rachel S says

    Posted on 5/23 at 9:23 am

    We made this a couple times per the recipe and it was perfection! Last night we tried it with grilled salmon (w/ EVOO + Old Bay) and it was SO GOOD and such a great non-meat alternative. We have some leftover dressing, so we’ll be having the salad again tonight… can’t wait. A+++

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 5/24 at 7:38 pm

      Hi Rachel, so glad you loved it and made it your own!! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Maegan says

    Posted on 4/11 at 7:37 pm

    The dressing is so good! Such a great healthy meal!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 4/12 at 6:17 pm

      Hi Maegan, so glad you loved it! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Liz says

    Posted on 3/11 at 2:03 pm

    One of our new favorite weekly meals! My husband says it’s better than Caesar salad from a restaurant!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/14 at 3:32 pm

      Hi Liz, so happy you both loved it! 🙂

      Reply
  8. Mackenzie says

    Posted on 3/6 at 8:00 pm

    I have made this salad many times and told MANY people about it. I couldn’t remember if I reviewed already and that’s how good this salad is, so nice you’ll review it twice! Don’t be deterred by the anchovy paste, this salad is amazing and so easy!! Make right now

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 3/7 at 3:05 pm

      Hi Mackenzie, so happy you loved it so much! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Nichole says

    Posted on 1/19 at 6:39 pm

    I have made this so many times! I love, love, love it. It fits my whole family’s dietary needs. Thank you! From Honey and Frannie, Coco’s sisters from another mister

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/20 at 12:30 pm

      Hi Nichole, so glad everyone loved the salad! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Hannah says

    Posted on 12/30 at 3:26 pm

    So delicious and easy to make!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 1/3 at 4:12 pm

      Hi Hannah, so happy you loved it!!

      Reply
  11. Kelsey Yevak says

    Posted on 12/1 at 8:02 pm

    I have made this recipe upwards of 20 times and have shared it with family and friends. The BEST Cesar salad!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 12/2 at 3:49 pm

      Hi Kelsey, so glad you love it so much!! 🙂

      Reply
  12. Kerry says

    Posted on 8/5 at 2:14 pm

    Do yourself a favor and double the dressing recipe because you will be using it the rest of the week. Sooo good!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 8/5 at 4:48 pm

      Hi Kerry, so happy you loved it! 🙂

      Reply
  13. Kaitlin says

    Posted on 7/28 at 1:32 pm

    Tastes exactly like the less healthy version of a Caesar salad! Delish!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 7/28 at 9:31 pm

      Hi Kaitlin, so happy you enjoyed it!!

      Reply
  14. Alicia C says

    Posted on 6/14 at 7:34 pm

    This salad is SO delicious! I mean the dressing and the croutons are the BEST!!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/15 at 7:40 am

      Hi Alicia, so glad you liked the salad!!

      Reply
  15. Kaitlin says

    Posted on 6/14 at 3:36 pm

    The BEST homemade Caesar ever! I felt like I was at a restaurant. Incredible!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/14 at 4:30 pm

      Hi Kaitlin, so glad you liked it!!

      Reply
  16. Faith Simon says

    Posted on 6/14 at 1:05 pm

    Probably the best salad I’ve ever made. The dressing is out of this world

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/14 at 4:17 pm

      Hi Faith, so glad you loved it!

      Reply
  17. Nicole says

    Posted on 6/13 at 9:18 pm

    I haven’t bought grocery store caesar dressing ever since I made this recipe. So good and soo simple.

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/14 at 3:54 pm

      Hi Nicole, so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  18. Lisa Grant-Brown says

    Posted on 6/13 at 5:35 pm

    I love Caesar salad so much!! The addition of green yogurt to the dressing is a game changer and I’ll never make it any differently!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
    • Erin says

      Posted on 6/14 at 2:15 pm

      Hi Lisa, so happy you enjoyed it!

      Reply
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I’m Erin. Creator of Erin Lives Whole, a food blog with delicious and easy healthy recipes that will leave you feeling good. We’ve got everything from wholesome baked goods to comforting savory dishes. I can’t wait to see what you whip up! Read More...

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