Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Total: 15 min Servings: 2
Annie Lampella @ Ketofocus

By Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Published August 11, 2019 β€’ Updated February 2, 2026

Reader Rating
4.4 Stars (5 Reviews)
BBQEasySummer Grilling

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

Chicken Caesar is a classic salad recipe. It makes for an easy keto meal because it can be thrown together quickly with crisp romaine, smoky grilled chicken, and creamy caesar dressing.

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Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

4.4 (5) Prep 5m Cook 10m Total 15m 2 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken thighs
  • salt & pepper
  • 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • ΒΌ cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup Homemade Caesar Dressing
  • 1 lemon, cut into quarters

Step by Step Instructions

Step by Step Instructions

1
Season chicken

Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.

raw chicken with seasoning
2
Preheat grill

Preheat the grill to high heat. (450 to 500 degrees)

bbq temp at 450 degrees
3
Grill chicken

Grill chicken thighs over direct high heat for 3-5 minutes. Flip over and continue cooking on the other side for 3-4 minutes.

raw chicken on grill
4
Slice

Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing

chicken sliced on cutting board
5
Assemble salad

To assemble the caesar salad, layer down 2 cups of romaine lettuce, Β½ of the sliced chicken thighs, 2 tablespoons of parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of caesar dressing and Β½ the lemon slices. Repeat for another serving.

chicken caesar salad ingredients in bowl
Nutrition Per Serving
580 Calories
37.3g Fat
57.7g Protein
4g Net Carbs
8g Total Carbs
2 Servings
Nutrition disclaimer

The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.

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Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

beautiful grilled chicken salad with caesar dressing on the side I love grilled chicken caesar salad because it’s a meal that comes together quickly. I can meal prep the ingredients for the week and enjoy a delicious caesar salad for lunch. Traditionally, a caesar salad has crisp romaine lettuce, creamy caesar dressing, a sprinkling of parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon. Adding the grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor and extra protein and fat to the dish. Grilled chicken caesar salad is naturally keto approved because it is low in carbs and caesar dressing is higher in fat content than other dressings. For two tablespoons, my recipe for Caesar Salad Dressing has 25 grams of fat.

The Caesar Dressing

caesar dressing next to chicken salad The Caesar dressing is the most important component to a Caesar salad. My recipe for caesar dressing is keto approved and it has all the right ingredients in the right proportions. Anchovy, parmesan cheese, garlic, and lemon come together to form the creamiest, most flavorful salad dressing.

The Grilled Chicken

Cooked chicken in white bowl I used chicken thighs in this recipe as chicken thighs have a higher fat content compared to chicken breast. This makes the meat more flavorful, especially when grilled. Grilling the chicken offers a smoky taste to the salad. It’s my favorite way to cook chicken for salads.

Meal Prep Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

I love packing grilled chicken caesar salad for lunch. To meal prep a caesar salad, store all your ingredients separately. Then combine them when you want to make your caesar salad. You can cut up the romaine lettuce ahead of time and store it in a ziplock bag or container. Place a dry piece of paper towel in with the lettuce to help absorb any excess moisture. The grilled chicken thighs can be stored sliced up in a container.
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of chicken in this salad?

Yes! I use chicken thighs because they stay juicy on the grill, but chicken breasts work too. Grilled shrimp is another great option if you want to switch it up.

What can I substitute for the Caesar dressing if I want a lighter option?

For a lighter low carb option, try a simple olive oil and lemon vinaigrette with garlic and a pinch of salt. It won't be a traditional Caesar, but it's still good on grilled chicken and romaine.

How should I store leftovers of the Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad?

Store the chicken and romaine separately in the fridge. The salad is best fresh, but the components will keep for about 2 days. Don't add dressing until you're ready to eat or the lettuce gets soggy.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

This is one of my go-to meal prep lunches. Grill the chicken and chop the romaine ahead of time, then toss everything together with dressing and parmesan right before you eat.

Can I add more veggies to this salad?

Cherry tomatoes or cucumbers are a good addition if you want more crunch. Just watch the carb counts on anything you add to keep it low carb.

About the Author
Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie is a Doctor of Pharmacy, mom, and the recipe creator behind KetoFocus. With a B.S. in Genetics from UC Davis, she has over 14 years of experience developing family-friendly keto recipes based on the science of human metabolism.

Learn more about Annie View My Cookbook

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Reviews 1
4.4 Stars (5 Reviews)
  1. J
    Janet Mar 29, 2025

    I loved how this salad stayed satisfying for hours thanks to the high protein content. The smoky grilled chicken took it to another level. Nice balance of freshness and flavor.

    Reply

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