High-protein chicken caesar salad

Why you'll love this recipe

This high-protein Caesar salad delivers all the classic flavours with nearly half the calories of traditional versions. The secret is a creamy yogurt-based dressing that tastes indulgent but keeps the macros in check.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 300g chicken breast
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

For the dressing:

• 120g Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 30g parmesan, grated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper

For the salad:

• 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
• 30g parmesan shavings
• Croutons (optional)

Instructions

1. Season the chicken: Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Cook the chicken: Grill or pan-fry over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice.

3. Make the dressing: Whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, mustard, parmesan, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

4. Assemble: Toss romaine with dressing. Top with sliced chicken and parmesan shavings. Add croutons if desired.

Tips for success

• Char the lettuce: For extra flavour, briefly grill romaine halves before chopping.
• Shave the parmesan: Use a vegetable peeler for elegant parmesan ribbons.
• Dress just before serving: The lettuce stays crisp longer.

Variations

• Shrimp Caesar: Replace chicken with grilled prawns.
• Kale Caesar: Use massaged kale for a heartier salad that holds up to dressing.
• Wrap style: Serve in a large flour tortilla.

Storage

Store dressing separately for up to 5 days. Dressed salad should be eaten immediately.