Chicken Caesar Salad Homemade Dressing

Featured in: Fresh Salads & Bowls

This dish combines tender grilled chicken breasts with fresh romaine leaves and crunchy croutons, all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made from lemon juice, anchovies, garlic, and Parmesan. The homemade dressing adds depth and richness, balancing the smoky grilled flavor. A simple, fresh main course perfect for quick preparation, offering classic Italian-American elements with a savory, zesty finish.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 08:27:00 GMT
Juicy grilled chicken Caesar salad with homemade dressing and crispy romaine lettuce.  Save
Juicy grilled chicken Caesar salad with homemade dressing and crispy romaine lettuce. | olivedune.com

A classic and satisfying salad featuring juicy grilled chicken, crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and a creamy, savory homemade Caesar dressing.

This salad has become a family favorite for gatherings and quick dinners.

Ingredients

  • For the Salad: 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 2 large heads romaine lettuce chopped, 1 cup croutons, 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • For the Homemade Caesar Dressing: 2 anchovy fillets minced (optional but traditional), 1 garlic clove minced, 1 large egg yolk (or 1 tablespoon mayonnaise for a no raw egg version), 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat grill or grill pan to medium high heat.
Step 2:
Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 6 7 minutes per side or until cooked through and juices run clear. Let rest for 5 minutes then slice thinly.
Step 3:
In a medium bowl whisk together anchovy fillets garlic egg yolk (or mayonnaise) Dijon mustard Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice until smooth.
Step 4:
Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking constantly until dressing thickens. Whisk in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5:
In a large bowl toss chopped romaine with enough dressing to coat lightly. Add croutons and Parmesan and toss again.
Step 6:
Divide the salad among four plates. Top with sliced grilled chicken. Drizzle with extra dressing and sprinkle with additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Delicious Chicken Caesar Salad topped with crunchy croutons and creamy Parmesan dressing.  Save
Delicious Chicken Caesar Salad topped with crunchy croutons and creamy Parmesan dressing. | olivedune.com

This salad always brings back wonderful family mealtime memories.

Notes

Add halved cherry tomatoes or sliced avocado for extra flavor and nutrition. Pair with a crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Required Tools

Grill or grill pan Mixing bowls Whisk Chefs knife Cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains Eggs Fish (anchovies) Wheat (croutons) Milk (Parmesan). May contain gluten and dairy check crouton and cheese labels if sensitive.

Colorful Chicken Caesar Salad featuring fresh lettuce, flavorful dressing, and grilled chicken slices. Save
Colorful Chicken Caesar Salad featuring fresh lettuce, flavorful dressing, and grilled chicken slices. | olivedune.com

Enjoy this flavorful Caesar salad as a wholesome meal or side dish.

Cooking Questions & Answers

How do I grill chicken for this dish?

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the chicken with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill 6–7 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear. Let it rest before slicing thinly.

Can I make the dressing without raw egg?

Yes, substitute the egg yolk with a tablespoon of mayonnaise to maintain creaminess and texture without using raw egg.

What can I use instead of anchovies?

For a milder or vegetarian-friendly option, omit anchovies and use a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce to keep the umami flavor without fish.

How should I store leftover dressing?

Keep the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within 2–3 days for best freshness and flavor.

What are good pairings for this dish?

This salad pairs well with crisp white wines like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc and can be complemented by adding cherry tomatoes or avocado for extra richness.

Chicken Caesar Salad Homemade Dressing

Grilled chicken and romaine blend with creamy Caesar dressing, Parmesan, and croutons for a classic taste.

Prep Duration
20 min
Time to Cook
15 min
Overall Duration
35 min
Creator: Clara Moretti


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Italian-American

Serves 4 Portions

Dietary Info None specified

What You Need

Salad

01 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
05 2 large heads romaine lettuce, chopped
06 1 cup croutons
07 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Homemade Caesar Dressing

01 2 anchovy fillets, minced (optional but traditional)
02 1 garlic clove, minced
03 1 large egg yolk or 1 tablespoon mayonnaise for a no-raw-egg option
04 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
05 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
06 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
07 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
08 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
09 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Steps

Step 01

Prepare Grill: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

Step 02

Cook Chicken: Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Grill for 6 to 7 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.

Step 03

Make Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together anchovies, garlic, egg yolk or mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice until smooth.

Step 04

Emulsify Dressing: Slowly drizzle in extra virgin olive oil while whisking constantly until dressing thickens. Whisk in Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 05

Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, toss chopped romaine with enough dressing to coat lightly. Add croutons and Parmesan cheese, tossing again to combine.

Step 06

Serve: Divide salad evenly among four plates. Top with sliced grilled chicken, drizzle with additional dressing, and sprinkle extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Essential Tools

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Notice

Always review each component for allergens, and reach out to medical experts if you're uncertain.
  • Contains eggs, fish (anchovies), wheat (croutons), and milk (Parmesan).
  • May contain gluten and dairy; verify crouton and cheese labels if sensitive.

Nutrition Breakdown (each portion)

These details are for general advice—please consult your healthcare provider for specific guidance.
  • Energy (kcal): 420
  • Lipids: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Proteins: 33 g