Here’s our base recipe for a delicious Caesar salad you can make beforehand and leave in the fridge. It’s perfect for meal prepping.
We also go over the alternatives you can make with your salad.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked and sliced chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup croutons
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup diced cucumber
- 1 hard-boiled egg, sliced
- 2 cups Romaine lettuce
- 2 tablespoons Caesar dressing
Instructions:
- Layer your ingredients in a quart-sized mason jar, starting with the dressing at the bottom.
- Add the sliced chicken on top of the dressing, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese and croutons.
- Next, layer in the halved cherry tomatoes and diced cucumber.
- Add the slices of hard-boiled egg.
- Finally, fill the jar with Romaine lettuce.
- Seal the jar and refrigerate until you’re ready to eat.
- When it’s time to enjoy, give the jar a shake to distribute the dressing. Pour the contents into a bowl and indulge in the classic flavors of a Caesar salad.
While the classic Caesar salad is undeniably delicious, there are several creative variations you can explore to add a new twist to this timeless dish. Here are some exciting variations on a Caesar salad that you might enjoy:
- Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad: Add some smoky flavor to your Caesar salad by grilling chicken breast and slicing it over the greens. The charred grill marks and the tender, juicy chicken will complement the creamy dressing and crisp romaine lettuce perfectly.
- Shrimp or Salmon Caesar Salad: Swap out the chicken for grilled or sautéed shrimp or salmon. The seafood’s delicate flavor will pair well with the Caesar dressing, and the addition of seafood will make your salad even more luxurious.
- Kale Caesar Salad: Replace the traditional romaine lettuce with fresh kale. Massage the kale leaves with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice to soften them, then toss with the Caesar dressing. The heartiness of kale adds a nutritious and robust element to the salad.
- Avocado Caesar Salad: Incorporate slices of creamy avocado for an extra layer of richness and healthy fats. Avocado adds a smooth texture and a mild, buttery flavor that complements the tangy dressing.
- Caesar Cobb Salad: Combine the flavors of a Caesar salad and a Cobb salad by adding hard-boiled eggs, bacon, and blue cheese crumbles to the mix. This variation offers a medley of textures and flavors that will delight your taste buds.
- Greek Caesar Salad: Infuse Mediterranean flavors by adding elements like Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and cherry tomatoes. The combination of Caesar dressing with Greek-inspired ingredients creates a fusion of tastes that’s both unique and appetizing.
- Caesar Pasta Salad: Transform the classic Caesar into a satisfying pasta salad by incorporating cooked pasta, such as penne or fusilli. Toss the pasta with the Caesar dressing, chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and grated Parmesan for a delightful twist.
- Mexican Caesar Salad: Spice things up by adding a touch of Mexican flair. Top your Caesar salad with sliced jalapeños, black beans, corn kernels, and tortilla strips for a zesty and crunchy twist.
- Asian Caesar Salad: Infuse Asian flavors into your Caesar salad by using sesame ginger dressing instead of the traditional Caesar dressing. Add sliced almonds, mandarin orange segments, and crispy wonton strips for an Asian-inspired crunch.
- Roasted Veggie Caesar Salad: Roast a variety of vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini, then toss them with the Caesar dressing. The roasted veggies will bring a depth of flavor and warmth to the dish.
Remember, the key to a great Caesar salad is the balance of flavors, textures, and creativity. Feel free to mix and match ingredients to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you stick with the classic version or venture into one of these delightful variations, you’re sure to enjoy the Caesar salad experience in a whole new way.
