Introduction
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is a smoky twist on the classic favorite. Grilling the chicken on the Arteflame adds rich flavor, while freshly grilled romaine gives a warm, charred crunch to the salad. This Caesar salad combines juicy chicken, crisp greens, and a homemade Caesar dressing, making it a perfect meal or side dish.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 heads romaine lettuce, halved lengthwise
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons
- Olive oil (for brushing)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
For the Caesar Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp anchovy paste (optional for authentic Caesar flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill
Light the Arteflame grill with vegetable oil-soaked napkins and firewood. Let it heat up for about 20 minutes until it reaches medium-high heat, perfect for grilling both chicken and lettuce.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place the chicken on the grill’s flat cooktop. Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through with nice char marks. Remove from the grill, let rest, and slice thinly.
Step 3: Grill the Romaine
Brush the cut sides of the romaine halves with a little olive oil and place them cut side down on the grill. Grill for 1-2 minutes until the lettuce gets lightly charred but remains crisp. Remove from the grill and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Caesar Dressing
In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and anchovy paste (if using). Whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
Arrange the grilled romaine on a platter, top with sliced grilled chicken, croutons, and grated Parmesan cheese. Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the salad or serve it on the side.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with extra Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper, if desired. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and crunch.
Tips
- Dressing Tip: Adjust the garlic and anchovy paste to taste if you prefer a more robust Caesar flavor.
- Grilling Romaine: Grill the romaine just until it’s lightly charred; over-grilling can make it too wilted.
- Make-Ahead: Prep the dressing in advance and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Variations
- Spicy Caesar Salad: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
- Caesar with Bacon: Add crispy bacon bits for an extra savory touch.
- Avocado Caesar Salad: Add sliced avocado for a creamy texture that complements the dressing.
- Kale Caesar: Swap romaine for grilled kale for a hearty, nutrient-rich twist.
- Lemon-Pepper Chicken Caesar: Season the chicken with lemon zest and black pepper for a zesty flavor.
Best Pairings
- Side Dishes: Serve with garlic bread or a light vegetable soup to round out the meal.
- Drinks: Pair with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay, or enjoy with sparkling water with lemon.
Conclusion
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad on the Arteflame grill elevates the classic dish with a smoky flavor, charred romaine, and juicy grilled chicken. This salad is refreshing yet satisfying, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
