Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
Published August 11, 2019 • Updated February 2, 2026
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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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Ingredients
1 lb skinless, boneless chicken thighs
salt & pepper
4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
1/4 cup Homemade Caesar Dressing
1 lemon, cut into quarters
Step by Step Instructions
Step by Step Instructions
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.
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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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.
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,
The Caesar dressing is the most important component to a Caesar salad.
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.