Low Carb Chicken Caesar Salad

Low Carb Chicken Caesar Salad is a wholesome and satisfying dish that delivers all the classic Caesar flavors without the added carbs. With tender, pan-seared chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, savory parmesan cheese, and crunchy parmesan crisps, this salad is finished with a rich and creamy homemade Caesar dressing that’s full of bold, tangy flavor. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this salad is a low-carb favorite that doesn’t compromise on taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This low carb Caesar salad offers the best of both worlds—classic Caesar salad flavor with a low-carb twist. The homemade dressing is packed with garlic, anchovies, lemon, and parmesan, offering a restaurant-quality experience right at home. With high-protein grilled chicken and parmesan crisps instead of croutons, it’s both filling and keto-friendly. It’s easy to make, meal-prep friendly, and perfect for anyone watching their carbs without sacrificing deliciousness.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Caesar Salad:

• 1 pound chicken breasts

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

• ¼ cup shredded or shaved parmesan cheese

• ½ cup parmesan crisps

For the Low Carb Caesar Dressing:

• ¾ cup mayonnaise

• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

• 1 ounce anchovies in olive oil (about 4 anchovy fillets)

• 4 cloves garlic

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• Pinch of salt

Directions

Make the Caesar Dressing:

1. Add all dressing ingredients—mayonnaise, grated parmesan, anchovy fillets, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and salt—into a blender or food processor.

2. Blend until smooth and creamy.

3. Transfer the dressing to a container and refrigerate until ready to use.

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat.

2. Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets.

3. Pat dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper.

4. Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

5. Remove from heat and allow to rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Assemble the Salad:

1. In a large salad bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, and parmesan crisps.

2. Pour the prepared Caesar dressing over the salad and toss until all ingredients are well coated.

3. Divide the salad evenly into four serving bowls.

4. Top each portion with sliced chicken and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Grilled Chicken Option: Grill the chicken for added smokiness and texture.

• No Anchovies: Use a bit of Worcestershire sauce for a similar umami depth if you prefer not to use anchovies.

• Add Veggies: Include chopped avocado, cherry tomatoes, or olives for extra flavor and nutrition.

• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing for heat.

• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free parmesan alternative and a vegan mayo base.

Storage/reheating

• Dressing: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

• Chicken: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

• Assembled Salad: Best consumed immediately. If prepping ahead, store dressing and chicken separately from the greens to avoid sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works well and makes the recipe even quicker to prepare.

Is Caesar dressing keto-friendly?

Yes, this homemade Caesar dressing is low in carbs and fits well within a ketogenic diet.

Do I need to use anchovies?

Anchovies are traditional and add rich flavor, but you can substitute with a splash of Worcestershire sauce if needed.

Are parmesan crisps necessary?

They add crunch and replace traditional croutons in a low-carb way, but you can omit them if desired.

Can I make the salad ahead of time?

Yes, but store the dressing separately and assemble just before serving to keep the salad fresh.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use another type of lettuce?

Yes, romaine is classic, but feel free to use a mix of greens such as kale or spinach.

How do I make it dairy-free?

Use dairy-free parmesan alternatives and check labels on other ingredients like mayonnaise.

What’s the best way to store leftover dressing?

Use an airtight jar or container and refrigerate. Stir before using again.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just slice and warm slightly or serve cold if preferred.

Conclusion

Low Carb Chicken Caesar Salad is a satisfying and flavorful meal that combines classic Caesar elements with a health-conscious twist. With its creamy homemade dressing, tender chicken, crisp lettuce, and crunchy parmesan crisps, this salad is ideal for a quick lunch, dinner, or meal prep. It’s low in carbs, rich in protein, and full of flavor—proving that healthy eating can be both delicious and satisfying.