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Healthy Macro-Friendly Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe with Protein Boost for Easy Meal Prep

Healthy Macro-Friendly Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad - featured image

A quick, nutritious grilled chicken Caesar salad with a protein-boosted Greek yogurt dressing, perfect for meal prep and balanced macros.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 340 g)
  • ยผ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)
  • ยฝ cup whole-grain croutons
  • ยฝ cup plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ยฝ teaspoon anchovy paste (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Preheat your grill pan over medium-high heat (about 400ยฐF / 204ยฐC). Lightly brush the pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Place the chicken on the pan and grill for 5-7 minutes per side, flipping once, until the internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF (74ยฐC) and grill marks appear.
  4. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
  5. Slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
  6. In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and anchovy paste if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust consistency with a splash of water or more lemon juice if needed.
  7. Place chopped romaine lettuce in a large bowl. Add cherry tomatoes and croutons.
  8. Pour about half of the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all leaves evenly.
  9. Add the grilled chicken strips on top.
  10. Drizzle remaining dressing over the chicken and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
  11. Serve immediately for best crunch and freshness.

Notes

For gluten-free, substitute croutons with toasted nuts or seeds. Keep dressing and croutons separate until serving to maintain crunch. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely. Rest chicken after grilling to keep it juicy. Adjust dressing thickness with water or lemon juice as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, Caesar salad, healthy salad, protein boost, meal prep, macro-friendly, Greek yogurt dressing