Chicken Caesar Salad

(5)

This timeless chicken Caesar salad features a zesty dressing made with Greek-style yogurt. Our dressing calls for anchovy paste, which adds that signature savory flavor Caesar salad is known for. Any leftover anchovy paste can be used to enhance vinaigrettes, dips or sauces. You can use whole anchovies, if you prefer, but you’ll need to blend them or mash them with the flat side of a large chef’s knife before adding them to the dressing.

a recipe photo of the Chicken Caesar Salad
Photo:

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Active Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
Servings:
2

Nutrition Notes

Is Chicken Tenderloin Good for You?

Chicken tenderloin is that fingerling-shaped piece of meat that sits under the breast and against the breastbone. They’re typically sold as “chicken tenders” in the meat section of the supermarket. And yes, they’re good for you. Chicken tenderloins are white meat and are very similar in nutritional value to chicken breast, according to the USDA. This means that they’re a great lean protein source and offer other nutrients, including choline and B vitamins.

Is Romaine Lettuce Healthy?

Romaine lettuce is a leafy green vegetable and, like other leafy greens, offers some impressive nutritional benefits. It’s an excellent source of vitamins A and K and a good source of folate. The nutrients in romaine lettuce have been shown to support bone, eye and skin health, as well as helping to reduce inflammation and risk of diseases like heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer.

Tips from the Test Kitchen

Can I Make My Own Croutons for This Recipe?

Absolutely. A basic recipe for croutons includes only a handful of ingredients that are probably in your pantry already (extra-virgin olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper and whole-wheat bread). And from there, you can add your favorite seasonings, if you wish.

Can This Recipe Be Made Ahead?

The dressing for this recipe can be made ahead and stored for up to four days in the fridge, but remember that the garlic will intensify in flavor the longer it's stored. You can refrigerate the chicken in the marinade overnight, if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Anchovy Paste, and Where Do I Find It?

Anchovy paste is an everyday staple in the cuisines of Italy, France and Spain. It’s made with ground anchovies, a saltwater fish that’s slender and silver, and vinegar or olive oil and spices are typically added. We use anchovy paste to build the flavor of our chicken Caesar salad recipe, but you can also enjoy it added to scrambled eggs, on toasted bread, set out with cheese and crackers, added to sautéed greens or roasted potatoes and more. You can find anchovy paste in jars or tubes at grocery and specialty stores, usually in the same aisle as tomato paste.

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers, M.S. and Linda Frahm

the ingredients to make the Chicken Caesar Salad

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, divided

  • 1 teaspoon grated garlic, divided

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper, divided

  • 8 ounces chicken tenders

  • 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 1/2 cup whole-milk plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt 

  • 5 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided

  • 1 teaspoon lower-sodium Worcestershire sauce

  • 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste

  • 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice

  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce hearts

  • 1/2 cup Caesar-seasoned croutons

Directions

  1. Stir 1 teaspoon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon garlic and 1/8 teaspoon pepper together in a medium bowl until combined. Add chicken; toss until evenly coated.

  2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken; cook, turning once, until golden brown and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F, 6 to 9 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

    a photo of the cooked chicken diced on a cutting board

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

  3. Meanwhile, whisk yogurt, 3 tablespoons Parmesan, Worcestershire, anchovy paste, lemon juice and the remaining 3 tablespoons oil, 1/2 teaspoon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon garlic and 1/8 teaspoon pepper together in a large bowl until creamy. Add lettuce; toss until well coated.

    a photo of the lettuce covered in the dressing

    Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle

  4. Divide the salad between 2 plates. Top each with croutons and sliced chicken; sprinkle with the remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan.

To make ahead

Marinate chicken (Step 1), covered, in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours. Refrigerate dressing (Step 3) in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

EatingWell.com, February 2024

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

622 Calories
40g Fat
27g Carbs
42g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 2
Serving Size 2 1/2 cups
Calories 622
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 27g 10%
Dietary Fiber 10g 37%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 42g 83%
Total Fat 40g 52%
Saturated Fat 9g 43%
Cholesterol 103mg 34%
Vitamin A 2027µg
Vitamin C 19mg 21%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 5mg 35%
Folate 642µg
Vitamin K 483µg
Sodium 671mg 29%
Calcium 352mg 27%
Iron 6mg 31%
Magnesium 114mg 27%
Potassium 1660mg 35%
Zinc 3mg 26%
Vitamin B12 1µg
Omega 3 0g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Related Articles