Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing

by Melody Thacker, in Recipes (1 Comment)

Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing

Caesar salad is one of the easiest salads to make and it’s one of our favorites in the summer. We often have chicken caesar salad with homemade dressing for a complete meal that is quick and easy. I season the chicken with Italian seasoning which compliments the salad dressing perfectly. Once you get into making your own salad dressing you won’t go back to eating already prepared bottled dressing.  For your convenience, you’ll find a printable version of this recipe farther down the page. 

Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe

Prepare the salad dressing in advance such as the day before serving to allow the flavors a chance to fully develop. Our oldest daughter is the one who got me making my own caesar dressing and it’s more tasty than bottled. We add extra garlic so feel free to add more if you like.

Caesar Salad Dressing Ingredients:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup. greek yogurt
• ½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1-2 large cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1½  teaspoons anchovy paste
• Watkins Himalayan salt, if needed
• Watkins black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• ¼ cup light olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Caesar Salad Dressing Directions:

1. Prepare the dressing by combining the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and anchovy paste in a medium-sized bowl. Season with black pepper, to taste, and whisk to combine. 
   
2. Add grated Parmesan cheese to the dressing and stir to combine. Slowly drizzle the olive oil into the dressing and whisk until thoroughly incorporated into the mixture. Taste before adding additional salt because the anchovy paste and parmesan cheese are both naturally salty. Then, if needed season with additional salt and more black pepper. Cover and refrigerate salad dressing until ready to use.

Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

We like to add bacon to our caesar salad but aren’t big fans of croutons. I was out of bacon the day I made these to photograph. I don’t know how that happened because we always have bacon!

Chicken Caesar Salad Ingredients:

• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 2 teaspoons Watkins organic Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon Watkins organic garlic powder
• Watkins Himalayan salt, to taste
• Watkins black pepper, to taste
• 1 large head Romain lettuce, cleaned, chopped, and dried completely
• 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled or diced (optional but everything is better with bacon)
• ½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese + more for serving

Chicken Caesar Salad Directions:

1. Place the top oven rack in the center position and pre-heat the oven to 400°F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
   
2. Arrange the chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle evenly with the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Note: An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken should read just over 160°F when it is ready. The temperature will continue to rise several degrees while the chicken rests.
   
3. Remove chicken from the oven and cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
   
4. To serve, assemble the salad by adding the chopped Romaine lettuce to a large mixing bowl. Add the shaved Parmesan, crumbled bacon, and drizzle with 1/3 cup dressing. Gently toss to combine.
   
5. Divide salad between chilled salad plates and top with the sliced chicken breast. Serve immediately with the remaining salad dressing and additional shaved Parmesan on the side. Enjoy!
   

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes*
Serves: 4

Important Tip: Always cook chicken to temperature, not by time. Actual cooking time will vary depending on several factors, including the starting internal temperature, the thickness of the meat, and variations in individual oven temperatures. Check the temperature with an instant-read thermometer after 15 minutes and adjust the final cooking time accordingly.

When I’m in a rush or don’t want to turn on the oven I cook the seasoned chicken breasts in my instant pot electric pressure cooker for 15 minutes.

I use and recommend Watkins herbs, spices, and seasonings because I love the quality and flavor. You should also know I’m an Independent Watkins Consultant and when you purchase through my website I will earn a commission on your order.  Thanks in advance if you do, I know you’ll love Watkins products as much as I do.