Light & Zesty Low Carb Keto Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

Tangy, creamy, and packed with flavor, this keto chicken caesar salad recipe delivers a mouthwatering meal without the carb overload.

Crisp romaine lettuce provides the perfect base for juicy grilled chicken and a rich, homemade dressing that screams indulgence.

The classic caesar gets a low-carb makeover that keeps all the delicious elements you love.

Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, salty kick while crunchy bacon bits bring irresistible texture to every bite.

Forget boring diet food – this salad is so satisfying you won’t miss the croutons for a second.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of protein and flavor that fits seamlessly into your ketogenic lifestyle.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-worthy dish right in your own kitchen.

Flavor Tweaks & Crunchy Additions for Caesar Salad

• Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, seared salmon, or sliced hard-boiled eggs for a delightful protein twist.
• Experiment with homemade Caesar dressing by adding roasted garlic, anchovy paste, or a splash of hot sauce to elevate the flavor profile.
• Mix in additional low-carb greens like baby spinach, arugula, or kale to boost nutrient density and add interesting layers of flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Keto Chicken Caesar Plates

• Elevate with Garnish: Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and added freshness that makes the salad look restaurant-worthy.
• Pair with Protein Boost: Add some crispy bacon bits or sliced hard-boiled eggs to increase the protein content and create extra layers of delicious flavor.
• Create a Meal Prep Version: Store chicken, lettuce, and dressing separately in airtight containers for an easy grab-and-go lunch that stays crisp and fresh throughout the week.
• Customize with Side Options: Serve alongside a small portion of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for those wanting additional low-carb accompaniments that complement the salad perfectly.

Storing Chicken Caesar Salad Without Wilting Greens

• Batch Prep Like a Pro: Whip up extra chicken and dressing during your weekly meal prep. Store cooked chicken and homemade Caesar dressing separately in airtight containers for quick lunch assembly throughout the week.
• Refrigerate with Care: Keep the salad components separate until serving. Chicken and dressing will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, while crisp lettuce maintains its crunch when stored in a sealed container with a paper towel to absorb moisture.
• Freeze Smartly: Cooked chicken freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap sliced chicken in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using in your salad.
• Avoid Soggy Salads: Always add croutons and dressing just before serving to maintain optimal texture and prevent wilting. Enjoy your low-carb meal at its freshest and most delicious!

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

What Goes into a Keto Chicken Caesar Salad Bowl

• Mayonnaise: Creamy foundation that adds richness and helps bind the dressing's flavors.
• Sour Cream: Provides tangy depth and smooth texture to enhance overall dressing consistency.
• Anchovy Paste: Delivers classic umami flavor that defines authentic Caesar dressing.

• Garlic: Adds sharp, aromatic punch that elevates the entire salad's taste profile.
• Dijon Mustard: Brings subtle heat and helps emulsify the dressing for perfect blending.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes deep, complex savory notes with a slight tang.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the dressing with fresh, zesty citrus undertones.
• Black Pepper: Introduces subtle warmth and gentle spiciness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Infuses nutty, salty character that complements the salad's core flavors.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the salad's substantial main element.
• Romaine Lettuce: Crisp, refreshing base with satisfying crunch and nutritional value.
• Grape Tomatoes: Adds bursts of juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
• Keto-Friendly Croutons: Provides textural contrast while maintaining low-carb profile.

Caesar Salad Gear You’ll Need in the Kitchen

• Large bowl: Essential for mixing and tossing salad ingredients together.
• Cutting board: Needed for slicing chicken and chopping lettuce.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for thinly slicing chicken breasts against the grain.
• Measuring cup: Helps measure precise amount of Caesar dressing.
• Whisk or fork: Useful for preparing homemade Caesar dressing if making from scratch.
• Grater: Helpful for shredding fresh Parmesan cheese.
• Tongs or salad servers: Great for tossing and serving the salad evenly.

How to Toss Together a Chicken Caesar Salad on Keto

Keto Chicken Caesar Culinary Adventure

• Creamy Dressing Preparation

Craft a luscious Caesar sauce by blending tangy ingredients into a smooth, rich mixture. Whip up extra to store in the refrigerator for future meals.

• Chicken Transformation

Select your favorite cooking technique – oven roasting, grill searing, or skillet browning – to transform plain chicken into a flavor-packed protein. Allow the meat to rest briefly before slicing against the grain for maximum tenderness.

• Salad Symphony

Create a vibrant base using crisp romaine leaves, scattering jewel-like tomatoes throughout. Layer the sliced chicken and sprinkle aged Parmesan for a luxurious touch.

• Final Flourish

Elevate your dish with a light drizzle of homemade Caesar dressing. Gently toss to ensure every ingredient is lovingly coated. Serve immediately to capture the perfect blend of textures and flavors.

Crisp Keto Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Keto chicken caesar salad delivers classic flavors without excess carbohydrates. Crisp romaine, grilled chicken, and creamy dressing create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 x 8 oz (450 g) cooked chicken breasts
• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 2 cups (300 g) grape tomatoes, halved (optional)
• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) Caesar salad dressing
• ¾ cup (75 g) shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (30 g) croutons (use gluten-free or low-carb if preferred)

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Instructions

1. Dressing Preparation: Whisk Caesar dressing ingredients until silky smooth, creating a rich, creamy sauce. Store excess in a refrigerated sealed container for future use.
2. Chicken Seasoning and Cooking: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then select preferred cooking method – oven-roasting at 375°F (190°C), grilling, or pan-searing. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for optimal safety and flavor.
3. Chicken Resting and Slicing: Allow cooked chicken to rest 5-7 minutes, enabling juice redistribution. Slice against the grain into thin, uniform strips, ensuring tender, easily consumable pieces.
4. Salad Assembly: Thoroughly wash and chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces, carefully patting dry with paper towels to prevent moisture accumulation. In a large mixing bowl, combine lettuce, sliced chicken, halved grape tomatoes, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Final Touches and Serving: Sprinkle crisp croutons over the salad just before serving. Drizzle reserved Caesar dressing evenly, gently tossing to coat ingredients thoroughly. Serve immediately to maintain optimal temperature and textural integrity.

Notes

• Dressing Prep Tip: Whisk Caesar dressing ingredients thoroughly to achieve a silky, smooth texture that coats ingredients perfectly.
• Chicken Cooking Hack: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches safe 165°F internal temperature, preventing undercooking and ensuring juicy meat.
• Lettuce Freshness Trick: Completely dry romaine after washing to prevent soggy salad and maintain crisp, refreshing texture throughout serving.
• Crouton Timing Strategy: Add crispy croutons just before serving to preserve their crunch and prevent them from becoming soft or mushy in the salad.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg