Low Carb Caesar Salad with Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a refreshing yet satisfying meal that keeps things light and keto-friendly, this Low Carb Caesar Salad with Chicken Recipe is absolutely perfect. It brings together crisp Romaine lettuce, succulent chicken breasts, and those irresistible crispy parmesan chips, all coated generously with a luscious homemade low carb Caesar dressing that’s creamy, garlicky, and bursts with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday lunch or a wholesome dinner, this recipe balances taste and nutrition effortlessly, proving that low carb meals can still feel indulgent and vibrant.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Low Carb Caesar Salad with Chicken Recipe, you’ll find the ingredients are straightforward and easy to source. Each item plays an essential role in building layers of texture and flavor—from the crispiness of the Romaine and parmesan crisps to the richness of the homemade dressing that ties everything together beautifully.

• 1 pound Chicken Breasts: Choose fresh, lean chicken breasts for juicy, tender meat that’s the star protein of the dish.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the chicken’s natural flavors without overwhelming the salad.
• 6 cups Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and crunchy, Romaine provides the classic Caesar base with a refreshing bite.
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan adds sharpness and depth to the salad.
• 1/2 cup Parmesan Crisps: These crunchy gems replace traditional croutons for a low carb alternative that adds fantastic texture.
• 3/4 cup Mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base of the Caesar dressing, lending richness with zero fuss.
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (for dressing): Essential for that cheesy, savory punch your dressing needs.
• 1 ounce Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds smoothness and helps blend all the dressing ingredients together perfectly.
• 4 Anchovy Filets: The secret umami boosters in your dressing, giving it that authentic Caesar flavor.
• 4 cloves Fresh Garlic: Provides a fresh, pungent kick that brightens every bite.
• 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice: Offers the perfect tangy balance to the creamy dressing.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard: Adds subtle complexity and helps emulsify the dressing.
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper and a Pinch of Salt: Just enough seasoning for the dressing to shine without overpowering.

How to Make Low Carb Caesar Salad with Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Caesar Salad Dressing

Start by blending all the dressing ingredients together—mayonnaise, grated parmesan, olive oil, anchovy filets, fresh garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and salt. Pulse until you get a smooth, creamy dressing that’s bursting with traditional Caesar flavors but perfectly keto-friendly. Refrigerate the dressing so it’s chilled and ready when you assemble your salad.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Slice your chicken breasts in half horizontally to get thinner pieces, ensuring they cook evenly and stay juicy. Pat them dry, then season generously with salt and pepper. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken slices for about 5-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and the internal temperature reads 165°F. Let the chicken rest before slicing into strips for topping your salad.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the crisp Romaine lettuce, grated parmesan, and parmesan crisps. Pour your chilled dressing over the salad and toss gently until every leaf is luxuriously coated. Divide the salad evenly into bowls, then arrange the sliced chicken on top. This final step builds a gorgeous plate ready to delight your senses.

How to Serve Low Carb Caesar Salad with Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, sprinkle some freshly cracked black pepper, a few extra parmesan crisps, or even a wedge of lemon to squeeze on top. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives also brightens the presentation and adds a refreshing herbal note.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with light sides like steamed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts. You could also offer some keto-friendly garlic bread or simply enjoy it as a hearty main dish on its own — it’s filling and flavorful enough for that!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Low Carb Caesar Salad with Chicken Recipe in mason jars for an on-the-go option or arrange it on a large platter for a stunning buffet display. Layering the lettuce and dressing separately helps keep the salad fresh if serving later.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad and chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the salad crisp, it’s best to store the dressing separately and toss just before eating.

Freezing

The cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months, but it’s not recommended to freeze the salad or dressing, as the lettuce will become soggy and the dressing may separate.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, then add it fresh on top of a newly tossed salad for best results.

FAQs

Can I use other types of lettuce for this salad?

Absolutely! While Romaine is classic for Caesar salads due to its crunch and flavor, you can also mix in kale, butter lettuce, or even arugula for a peppery twist. Just be sure to adjust the dressing amount accordingly.

Is this recipe suitable for strict keto diets?

Yes, this Low Carb Caesar Salad with Chicken Recipe is designed with low carb and keto principles in mind, keeping carbs minimal while offering plenty of fats and protein to keep you satisfied.

Can I make the dressing without anchovies?

While anchovies give the authentic umami punch to Caesar dressing, you can omit them if you prefer or substitute with a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of soy sauce for a similar depth of flavor.

What’s the best way to make parmesan crisps at home?

Simply spread small mounds of grated parmesan on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 4-6 minutes until golden and crispy. Let cool before adding to your salad for that perfect crunchy texture.

Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying?

Definitely! Grilling the chicken adds a lovely smoky flavor that complements the creamy dressing really well. Just be careful not to overcook so it stays juicy and tender.

Final Thoughts

This Low Carb Caesar Salad with Chicken Recipe is a delightful, easy-to-make meal that feels both fresh and indulgent. It’s a wonderful choice whether you’re watching your carb intake or simply want a delicious dish that ticks all the boxes for texture and flavor. Give it a try—once you experience that salty, crispy, creamy combo you’ll likely make it a regular favorite in your kitchen!

Low Carb Caesar Salad with Chicken Recipe

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This deliciously satisfying Low Carb Caesar Salad with Chicken combines crisp romaine lettuce, juicy pan-seared chicken breasts, crispy parmesan crisps, and a creamy homemade keto-friendly Caesar dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy lunch or dinner, this salad is both low in carbohydrates and rich in flavor, making it ideal for keto and low-carb diets.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Low Carb Chicken Caesar Salad

• 1 pound Chicken Breasts
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 6 cups Romaine Lettuce, chopped
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup Parmesan crisps

Low Carb Caesar Salad Dressing

• 3/4 cup Mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 ounce Extra virgin olive oil
• 4 Anchovy filets
• 4 cloves Fresh garlic
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Make the Caesar Salad Dressing: Place all the dressing ingredients—including mayonnaise, grated parmesan, olive oil, anchovy filets, fresh garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and salt—into a blender. Pulse until all ingredients are well combined and smooth. Transfer the dressing to a container and refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Heat a medium pan over medium heat. Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create two thin cutlets. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken cutlets in the heated pan. Cook each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are fully cooked but still juicy.
4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, grated parmesan cheese, and parmesan crisps. Pour the chilled Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently to evenly coat all the lettuce leaves.
5. Serve: Divide the tossed salad into 4 individual bowls. Slice the cooked chicken cutlets and arrange the slices on top of each salad bowl before serving.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and optimal juiciness.
• Homemade parmesan crisps can be substituted with store-bought or omitted if preferred.
• Adjust anchovy quantity in dressing to taste if you prefer a milder or stronger flavor.
• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the dressing; roasted garlic will alter the taste.
• Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• For extra crunch, add low-carb croutons or toasted nuts as toppings.