Chicken Caesar Avocado Salad

This Chicken Caesar Avocado Salad is a fresh, modern twist on the classic Caesar. The crisp Romaine lettuce, juicy grilled chicken, creamy avocado, crunchy croutons, and shaved Parmesan come together in a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The creamy Caesar dressing ties everything together, making it both refreshing and satisfying. It’s an ideal meal for lunch, light dinner, or meal prep because it delivers protein, healthy fats, and bold flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced
• 2 large hearts of Romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 ripe avocado, diced or sliced
• 1 cup homemade or store-bought croutons
• ½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
• Freshly cracked black pepper (optional)

For the Dressing (Homemade Caesar Option)

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1–2 tablespoons water (to thin if needed)

(You may replace with store-bought Caesar dressing.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
2. Grill on medium-high heat for 4–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through.
3. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

2. Make the Caesar Dressing (If Homemade)

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and grated Parmesan.
2. Adjust thickness with 1–2 tablespoons of water.
3. Season with salt and black pepper.
4. Chill in the fridge for at least 10 minutes for the flavors to develop.

3. Assemble the Salad

1. Add chopped Romaine lettuce to a large salad bowl.
2. Top with sliced grilled chicken, avocado chunks, and croutons.
3. Sprinkle shaved Parmesan over the top.
4. Drizzle Caesar dressing evenly across the salad.
5. Toss gently to combine, or serve with the dressing on the side.

4. Finish & Serve

• Add extra black pepper on top for a classic Caesar flavor.
• Serve immediately to keep the croutons crispy.

Tips, Variations, and Storage Notes

Tips

• Use freshly grilled chicken for the best flavor, but leftover chicken works well too.
• Keep lettuce very dry so the dressing coats evenly.
• Add a squeeze of lemon on top for extra freshness.

Variations

• Crispy Chicken Version: Use breaded chicken strips instead of grilled.
• Healthy Version: Replace mayo dressing with Greek yogurt Caesar dressing.
• Extra Protein: Add boiled eggs or chickpeas.
• Extra Crunch: Add bacon bits or roasted almonds.

Storage

• Store components separately for best freshness:
  • Chicken: up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
  • Lettuce: 2–3 days (dry and in an airtight container).
  • Dressing: up to 5 days.
• Once tossed, the salad should be eaten immediately to prevent sogginess.

Pairings

• Side Dishes: Garlic bread, roasted vegetables, potato wedges.
• Soup Pairings: Tomato basil soup, creamy potato soup.
• Wine Pairings: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc.
• Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling lemon water or iced green tea.

Quick Info

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 2–3
• Cuisine: American / Modern Fusion