Chicken Caesar Avocado Salad (Printable Format)

A fresh mix of grilled chicken, avocado, crisp lettuce, and tangy Caesar dressing for a light, nutritious meal.

# What You Need:

→ Salad

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
04 - 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
05 - 2 ripe avocados, sliced
06 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
07 - 1/2 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
08 - 1 cup gluten-free or regular croutons

→ Caesar Dressing

09 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
10 - 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
11 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
12 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
13 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
14 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
15 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
16 - 1–2 tablespoons water, as needed to thin

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
02 - Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill for 6 to 7 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
03 - Whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Add water to reach desired consistency.
04 - In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine, croutons, Parmesan cheese, avocado slices, and cherry tomatoes if using.
05 - Top the salad with sliced chicken, drizzle dressing over, and gently toss to combine.
06 - Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and croutons if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It feels indulgent but keeps you light, no heavy post-lunch slump here.
  • The homemade dressing takes two minutes and tastes worlds better than anything bottled.
  • You can prep the chicken ahead and toss the salad together in under ten minutes.
  • Avocado adds a buttery richness that makes every forkful satisfying.
02 -
  • If you skip resting the chicken, all the juices will run out onto your cutting board and the meat will be dry.
  • Add the dressing right before serving or the lettuce wilts and the croutons get soggy within minutes.
  • Avocado browns fast, so slice it last and toss it in lemon juice if you need to wait.
03 -
  • Grate your Parmesan fresh and save the rind to toss into soups, it adds incredible depth.
  • If you want smokiness without a grill, sear the chicken in a cast-iron skillet and finish it in a hot oven.
  • Taste your dressing before you toss, everyone's garlic tolerance is different and you can always add more lemon or salt.

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