Save to Pinterest The grill was already hot from weekend burgers when I decided to improvise something lighter for Monday lunch. That creamy dressing came together in about thirty seconds flat, and suddenly salad felt like something to look forward to instead of just vegetables in a bowl.
My sister was visiting last summer and watched me make this, then promptly went home and put it on her weekly dinner rotation. There is something deeply satisfying about transforming plain yogurt into something that tastes restaurant-quality.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless grill up beautifully, and pounding them to even thickness helps them cook faster
- Greek yogurt: The 2% or whole milk version gives you that luscious texture without needing mayonnaise
- Freshly grated Parmesan: The stuff you grate yourself melts into the dressing much better than pre-shredded
- Romaine lettuce: Crisp hearts work best, but save the outer leaves for something else
- Lemon juice: Fresh squeezed really does make a noticeable difference here
Instructions
- Fire up the grill:
- Get it to medium-high heat, about 375°F if you are using a grill pan indoors
- Season the chicken:
- Brush both sides with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper
- Grill to perfection:
- Cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side until juices run clear and internal temperature hits 165°F
- Rest before slicing:
- Let the chicken sit for 5 minutes so the juices redistribute, then cut into strips
- Whisk the dressing:
- Combine yogurt, Parmesan, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon, garlic, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper until smooth
- Assemble the salad:
- Toss romaine, tomatoes, and croutons with dressing, then top with warm chicken and shaved Parmesan
Save to Pinterest There was this one Tuesday when I was too tired to cook anything elaborate, but this salad felt like actual dinner, not just diet food. That is the magic of warm grilled protein over crisp vegetables.
Making It Your Own
Sometimes I add a teaspoon of anchovy paste to the dressing when I am craving that traditional Caesar punch. It is completely optional but makes the flavor sing a little louder.
Grill Without A Grill
A cast iron skillet gets you surprisingly close to grill marks when you crank the heat. Just let the pan get properly hot before adding the chicken, and do not crowd the pan.
Meal Prep Magic
This salad holds up beautifully for lunch the next day if you store the components separately. The chicken actually tastes better after marinating in its own juices overnight.
- Keep the dressing in a small jar and shake before using
- Toast extra croutons on Sunday to save time during busy weeks
- The grilled chicken works in wraps, grain bowls, or even on its own
Save to Pinterest Hope this becomes your go-to for nights when you want something substantial but still fresh.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the yogurt Caesar dressing keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container and give it a quick whisk before using to restore its creamy consistency.
- → What's the best way to grill the chicken evenly?
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about ¾ inch before grilling. This ensures they cook through at the same rate. Use medium-high heat and avoid moving them frequently—let them develop a nice sear for 6-7 minutes per side.
- → Can I use a different type of yogurt?
Greek yogurt is ideal due to its thickness and protein content, but plain regular yogurt works too. If using thinner yogurt, strain it through cheesecloth for 30 minutes first, or reduce the lemon juice slightly to maintain the dressing's consistency.
- → Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, keep components separate to prevent sogginess. Store the dressing, grilled chicken, and greens in individual containers. Assemble right before eating, adding croutons just before serving to keep them crispy.
- → How do I make this salad gluten-free?
Replace traditional croutons with toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts for crunch. Verify that all packaged ingredients, especially Worcestershire sauce and mustard, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
- → What can I add to enhance the flavor?
Marinate the seasoned chicken in the dressing for 30 minutes before grilling for deeper flavor. You can also add anchovy paste to the dressing for authentic Caesar taste, or incorporate fresh herbs like basil or dill to the yogurt mixture.