This fresh and delicious Chicken Caesar Salad is made with a few basic ingredients and a zesty homemade Caesar dressing. With easy prep, this salad is the perfect way to add some greens to your diet and feel good about what you’re eating. Plus, making your own Caesar dressing means you can avoid the preservatives and additives found in store-bought dressings. If you are looking for more delicious salads, make sure to check out my buffalo chicken salad and my cheeseburger salad.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg: If you are concerned about using a raw egg in the dressing recipe, you can consider using a pasteurized egg for this recipe.
Anchovies: There’s debate around whether anchovies were originally included in Caesar dressing, but they were eventually added. While some people love them and some hate them, they shouldn’t give a “fishy” taste. Instead, anchovies should be briny and meaty, adding texture to the dressing. You can skip them if you want, but if you use Worcestershire sauce, which is made from a base of vinegar and anchovies, you’ll still get some of their flavors. I have made this dressing both with and without anchovies, and the difference is subtle enough that you could skip that part if you wanted.
Chicken: Having a batch of grilled chicken or shredded chicken around is perfect for quick and easy meal planning. Rotisserie chicken would also be delicious in the salad.
Croutons: Making croutons at home is super simple. You basically cut up a french loaf into small cubes and then toss them in a melted garlic butter sauce and then bake until they are golden brown and crispy. These will keep up to two weeks if stored in an airtight container and are the perfect complement to a fresh Caesar salad.
Can I Make Caesar Salad Ahead of Time?
There are several ways to make this salad preparation easier. You can grill or cook the chicken in advance, as it will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also prepare the dressing ahead of time, which will last for 2-4 days in the fridge. Another option is to assemble the salad without the dressing and store it in individual portions for a quick and easy lunch on the go. When ready to enjoy, simply add the dressing. Assembled salads will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
How to Store Homemade Caesar Salad
After you have made the caesar dressing, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last up to 4 days. As for the salad mixture, you could assemble it without the dressing; it will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator, but the lettuce and any other vegetables you may add may lose their freshness.
More Salads
Chicken Caesar Salad
Equipment
- immersion blender
Ingredients
Caesar Dressing
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 cup (213 g) extra virgin olive oil, room temperature
- ½ cup (50 g) Parmigiano cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 anchovy fillets, mashed (optional)
Salad
- 1 head romaine lettuce, cleaned and cut into 1 inch pieces
- 2 cups grilled chicken, sliced
- ¼ cup (25 g) parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup tomatoes, diced
- homemade croutons
Instructions
Caesar Dressing
- To a large mason jar, add all ingredients.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the ingredients until the dressing has emulsified (1-2 minutes). If you do not have an immersion blender you can use a standard blender but may need to add more oil. Store in the refrigerator, covered, until ready to use (2-4 days).
Salad
- In four large bowls, equally divide lettuce, chicken, parmesan, and tomatoes. Add caesar dressing to your liking.
Did you make this recipe?
Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.
You want it deluxe, try adding some noodles and some dried cranberries and sunflower seeds in it! Yummmmm! That’s deluxe!
I saw a Homemade chicken Caesar salad recipe on an online blog and tried it. The recipe was delicious. Since then, I, ve been making the same recipes at my home for my wife and kids.
I will try your recipe and see which one is more delicious.
Need new salad with homemade dressing. Thank you. Will make soon.
I have a question: What will “keep” for several weeks? The dressing? Even with a raw egg?
“Notes
Keep refrigerated and eat within a few weeks.”
Thanks.
Hi, Heather! I work with iambaker and am happy to help with questions. The homemade dressing will last in the refrigerator for 2-4 days if you want to make it ahead of time. If you assemble the salad without the dressing, it could last a few days in the refrigerator, but the lettuce and other vegetables may lose their freshness. I hope that clears it up, and have a great day!