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Healthy chicken caesar salad topped with croutons in a bowl with a fork.

Light Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Universal
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 1 Salad
Calories: 316kcal
Author: Lauren
This Healthy Caesar Chicken Salad recipe is a lightened up version of the classic with easy homemade sourdough croutons. It's great for lunch, dinner or meal prep and super easy to come together. A winner all around!
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Ingredients

Homemade sourdough croutons (makes enough for 2 salads)

  • 1 large slice of sourdough bread
  • olive oil spray
  • 1/2 tsp garlic salt
  • 1 tsp fresh chopped parsley or dried

To assemble each salad (makes 1 salad; make as many as you wish)

  • 2 cups chopped romaine and kale use any greens of choice
  • 2 Tbsp shaved parmesan (14g)
  • 1/2 cup grilled chicken bites (70g), any cooked chicken see
  • 2 Tbsp light Caesar dressing (34g) or store-bought (I like Ken's lite or Bolthouse Farms)
  • homemade sourdough croutons
  • sweet baby gherkins optional

Instructions

  • Start by preparing the homemade caesar salad dressing (skip this step if you're using store-bought).
  • And if you need to prepare the chicken, do that too. See here for my favorite pairings!
  • For the croutons: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut bread into small cubes. Add to baking sheet and spray lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle with garlic salt and parsley. Bake for 10 minutes or until crispy (they'll crisp up more as they cool).
  • Assemble salad: Add greens to a bowl or meal prep container. Add the parmesan and chicken over top. If serving immediately, add the dressing and croutons and toss together to combine. If meal prepping, store dressing and croutons separate and mix together when ready to serve. I like these 2-oz. disposable cups for dressing when on the go.

Notes

To make gluten-free: use gluten-free bread.
TIP! If serving immediately, or for a crowd, use a salad spinner or take some time to massage the greens. Greens are always 100x better when they are appropriately dressed!

Nutrition

Serving: 1salad | Calories: 316kcal | Carbohydrates: 18.4g | Protein: 40.1g | Fat: 9.2g | Saturated Fat: 3.5g | Fiber: 1.9g | Sugar: 4.9g