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Easy Meal-Prep Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe for Quick Healthy Lunches

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A quick and easy grilled chicken Caesar salad perfect for meal prep, combining smoky grilled chicken, creamy dressing with Greek yogurt, and crisp romaine lettuce. This recipe stays fresh for up to 4 days, making it ideal for healthy lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 340 g), pounded to even thickness
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped and washed
  • 1/2 cup homemade or store-bought croutons (optional)
  • Additional shaved Parmesan for garnish
  • Freshly ground black pepper, for finishing

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, then season both sides evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it rest for about 10 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Place your grill pan over medium-high heat and let it get hot, about 3-5 minutes.
  3. Place the chicken breasts on the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving them. Flip carefully using tongs, then cook another 5-6 minutes on the other side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Transfer the grilled chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then slice into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a teaspoon of water if the dressing is too thick.
  6. Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and dry thoroughly using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel.
  7. For meal prep, divide the lettuce into containers, add sliced chicken on top, and pack the dressing separately to drizzle just before eating. Add croutons and extra Parmesan garnish in a small container or bag to keep them crunchy.

Notes

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking. Let chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy. Keep dressing and croutons separate until serving to prevent sogginess. Dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge. For dairy-free, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and mayonnaise with vegan mayo. Use avocado mayo for a healthier fat profile. Add crunchy toppings just before eating.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken Caesar salad, meal prep salad, healthy lunch, quick salad recipe, easy chicken salad, Caesar dressing with Greek yogurt

Find it online: https://dahliadishes.com/easy-meal-prep-grilled-chicken-caesar-salad-recipe-for-quick-healthy-lunches/