Chicken Caesar Salad

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

1. 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2. Romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
3. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
4. 1/2 cup croutons
5. 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

For the Caesar Dressing:

1. 1/2 cup mayonnaise
2. 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3. 2 cloves garlic, minced
4. 2 anchovy fillets, minced (optional)
5. 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
6. 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
7. 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
8. Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Caesar Salad:

1. Grill Chicken:
   a. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
   b. Grill or pan-sear until fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes per side.
   c. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
2. Prepare Dressing:
   a. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, anchovies (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and red wine vinegar.
   b. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is well combined.
   c. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Assemble Salad:
   a. In a large bowl, combine chopped Romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, croutons, and sliced grilled chicken.
   b. Toss the salad gently to mix the ingredients.
4. Add Dressing:
   a. Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the salad, starting with a small amount and adding more to taste.
   b. Toss the salad again until evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Top with Parmesan:
   a. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the salad.
6. Serve:
   a. Divide the salad among serving plates.
   b. Optionally, garnish with additional croutons and a sprinkle of Parmesan.

Tips for a Great Caesar Salad:

1. Fresh Ingredients: Use crisp and fresh Romaine lettuce for the best texture, and cherry tomatoes that are ripe and flavorful.
2. Homemade Croutons: For an extra touch, make homemade croutons by tossing cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, and dried herbs. Bake until golden and crispy.
3. Anchovies: While optional, adding minced anchovies to the dressing provides a classic Caesar flavor. Adjust according to your taste preferences.
4. Grilled Chicken: Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor, but you can also pan-sear or bake it.
5. Make-Ahead Dressing: Prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
6. Serve Immediately: Caesar salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you’re making it ahead, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to prevent the lettuce from wilting.

Enjoy this classic Chicken Caesar Salad with its perfect balance of crunchy greens, savory chicken, and flavorful dressing! #CaesarSalad #ChickenCaesar #SaladRecipe”