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The Caesar Salad, with its crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, and savory Parmesan cheese, is a culinary legend that has stood the test of time. Add tender, grilled chicken and vibrant, ripe tomatoes to the mix, and you have a masterpiece of flavor and texture. This Classic Caesar Salad with Chicken, Tomatoes, Parmesan, and Croutons is not just a salad; it’s a meal that satisfies on every level. Join us on a journey through the creation of this timeless delight, and elevate your salad game to a whole new level.
The Caesar salad is a classic and timeless dish that has its origins in Tijuana, Mexico, rather than in Rome, Italy, as its name might suggest. The salad was created in the 1920s by an Italian immigrant named Caesar Cardini, who owned a restaurant in Tijuana. Legend has it that the salad was invented on a busy Fourth of July weekend when Cardini’s restaurant ran low on supplies. To improvise, he used the ingredients he had on hand, resulting in the creation of this iconic salad.
The original Caesar salad consisted of romaine lettuce leaves, garlic-infused olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Parmesan cheese, and croutons, all tossed together in a wooden bowl. Over time, variations of the salad emerged, with ingredients like chicken, tomatoes, and anchovies being added to suit different tastes.
Today, the Caesar salad is a staple on menus around the world. Its simplicity, balanced flavors, and the satisfying crunch of croutons have made it a beloved choice for both appetizers and main courses.
Caesar Salad with Chicken, Tomatoes, Parmesan, and Croutons
The Classic Caesar Salad is an icon in the world of salads. It's a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, from the crunch of fresh romaine lettuce and croutons to the umami-rich Parmesan cheese and the creamy, tangy dressing. When you introduce grilled chicken and ripe tomatoes into the mix, you create a complete, satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.
Tools and Equipment
- Grill or stovetop grill pan: Buy On Amazon / Buy On Amazon
- Salad bowl: Buy On Amazon
- Whisk : Buy On Amazon
- Cutting board and knife: Buy On Amazon and Buy On Amazon
- Mixing bowl: Buy On Amazon
- Tongs: Buy On Amazon
Ingredients
For the Salad:
For the Caesar Dressing:
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil.
Grill the chicken for approximately 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
In a large salad bowl, combine the torn romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, and croutons.
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. This is your Caesar dressing.
Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the salad and toss to coat the ingredients evenly.
Add the sliced grilled chicken on top of the salad.
Serve the Classic Caesar Salad with Chicken, Tomatoes, Parmesan, and Croutons immediately, garnishing with extra grated Parmesan and croutons if desired.
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 469.72kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 32.49g50%
- Saturated Fat 6.51g33%
- Trans Fat 0.01g
- Cholesterol 83.27mg28%
- Sodium 678.48mg29%
- Potassium 849.73mg25%
- Total Carbohydrate 13.91g5%
- Dietary Fiber 4.25g17%
- Sugars 3.16g
- Protein 31.33g63%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Please note that the nutritional values provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. It's always best to double-check with your specific ingredients and measurements for accurate nutritional information.
Note
Tips and Variations:
- For an extra layer of flavor, add anchovy paste to the dressing.
- Experiment with different types of lettuce, such as baby kale or spinach, to change up the base of your salad.
- Customize the croutons by making them at home with your favorite herbs and seasonings.
- To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the chicken.
Serving Suggestions:
- Classic Caesar Salad with Chicken, Tomatoes, Parmesan, and Croutons can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or served alongside a bowl of soup or a warm baguette.
Allergen Information:
- Anchovies: Traditional Caesar dressing contains anchovies, so if you have a seafood allergy or are a vegetarian, be sure to check if the dressing is made without anchovies.
Wine or Drink Pairing:
Crisp White Wine: A crisp and refreshing white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs well with the light and tangy flavors of Caesar salad.
Iced Tea: If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, iced tea, especially with a squeeze of lemon, complements the salad's flavors nicely.
Storage and Leftovers:
Dressing Separation: If you have leftover Caesar salad, it's best to store the dressing separately from the salad ingredients to prevent the lettuce from wilting. Keep the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Crouton Crunch: To maintain the crunchiness of the croutons, you can store them in a separate container or re-crisp them in the oven if they become slightly soggy.
Best Fresh: Caesar salad is at its best when freshly prepared. Try to consume it within a day or two to enjoy its full flavor and texture.
