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Healthy Greek Yogurt Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken

Healthy Greek Yogurt Caesar Salad - featured image

A lighter take on the classic Caesar salad using Greek yogurt dressing, grilled chicken, and crispy Parmesan crisps for a fresh, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 anchovy fillets, finely chopped (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 hearts romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 slices whole grain or sourdough bread, cut into cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for grilling chicken and toasting croutons)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, for seasoning

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon small mounds (about 1 tablespoon each) of grated Parmesan onto the sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon. Bake for 5-7 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove and let cool on the baking sheet.
  2. Cut bread into ½-inch cubes. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toast in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crunchy, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Set aside.
  3. Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Rub chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped anchovies, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. In a large bowl, toss chopped romaine with half the dressing until evenly coated. Add grilled chicken slices, croutons, and Parmesan crisps (reserve a few for garnish). Drizzle remaining dressing over the top if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Watch Parmesan crisps closely while baking to avoid burning. Rest grilled chicken before slicing to keep it juicy. If dressing is too thick, add a teaspoon or two of water to loosen. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread or omit croutons. For dairy-free, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut or almond yogurt and omit Parmesan crisps or use dairy-free cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caesar salad, Greek yogurt dressing, grilled chicken, Parmesan crisps, healthy salad, low-fat Caesar, easy dinner, weeknight meal