Enjoy a fresh and flavour-packed Chicken Caesar Salad that keeps things light without compromising on taste. This homemade version swaps heavy ingredients for a balanced mix of crisp romaine, tender seasoned chicken, and a creamy, lower-calorie Caesar dressing that still delivers that classic, garlicky flavour.
By making everything from scratch—including the dressing—you get a salad that’s not only lighter but also fresher and more satisfying. With plenty of protein and vibrant veggies, this is a delicious, feel-good meal you’ll want to make again and again.
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Calories in Chicken Caesar Salad
This recipe serves 2 and is 396 calories per serving
If you're looking for more recipes within the same calorie range, you'll find an abundance of options in my dedicated collection of 300+ calorie recipes.
If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie intake using a reliable calorie calculator. Please note that the calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Personalizing your calculations is essential to meet your individual needs. By using a calorie calculator, you can make informed choices and stay on track with your dietary goals.
See the recipe card for full nutritional estimation.
Ingredients Notes
To make this recipe you will need the following ingredients:
- Chicken Breast – Slicing into smaller fillets ensures even cooking and keeps the chicken tender. A simple seasoning of black pepper enhances the flavour.
- Wholewheat or Sourdough Bread – Used for homemade croutons, adding a crispy, hearty texture to the salad.
- Romaine Lettuce – The classic base for a Caesar salad, providing a fresh crunch that holds up well to the dressing.
- Parmesan Shavings – Adds a rich, salty depth of flavour. Shaving the parmesan rather than grating gives a more pronounced texture.
- Olive Oil Spray – Helps cook the chicken and crisp the croutons without excess oil.
- Salt and Pepper: These basic yet essential flavour enhancers are key for elevating the taste of your dishes. No food will ever be bland when these are used to season to taste.
For the Caesar Dressing:
- Greek Yoghurt & Reduced-Fat Mayo – A lighter mix that keeps the dressing creamy while cutting back on calories.
- Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dressing and balances the richness.
- Worcestershire Sauce & Dijon Mustard – Adds umami, a slight tang, and a bit of warmth for a more complex flavour.
- Garlic – A key ingredient for that bold, classic Caesar taste.
Once you've gathered all the ingredients and prepared them accordingly, you're all set to create this easy and delightful recipe.
See the recipe card for specific quantities and instructions.
Variations and Substitutes
This Chicken Caesar Salad is easy to customise based on your preferences. Whether you want to add extra flavour, make it vegetarian, or keep it simple, here are some easy swaps:
- Add Bacon – Crispy bacon pieces bring a salty crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy dressing and parmesan.
- Make It Vegetarian – Replace the chicken with roasted chickpeas or grilled halloumi for a protein-packed alternative. Use vegetarian Worcestershire sauce or a dash of soy sauce to maintain the umami depth.
- Classic Caesar Salad (No Chicken) – Skip the chicken for a lighter version that still delivers all the rich, garlicky flavour. The homemade croutons and parmesan shavings add plenty of texture and taste.
Homemade Lighter Caesar Dressing
Homemade Lighter Caesar Dressing
This homemade Caesar dressing is a lighter take on the classic, using Greek yoghurt and reduced-fat mayo for a creamy texture without the extra calories. Quadrupling the recipe makes enough for eight servings, perfect for meal prep or quick salads throughout the week.
To make 8 servings:
- 8 tablespoons Greek yoghurt
- 8 tablespoons reduced-fat mayo
- 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
- A few tablespoons of water to loosen to your desired consistency
How to Store:
Keep the dressing in an airtight jar or container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It may thicken slightly when chilled—just stir well before using and, if needed, add a little more water or lemon juice to adjust the consistency.tly when chilled. If needed, add a splash of water or lemon juice to loosen the consistency.
More Low Calorie Salad Recipes
Looking for some more low calorie salad recipes to enjoy? Check out these:
See more Salad Recipes →
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All recipes on Slimming Eats have estimated nutritional information for your convenience.
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Recipe Card
Easy Chicken Caesar Salad
A fresh and flavourful Easy Chicken Caesar Salad with a lighter homemade dressing, crispy croutons, and tender seasoned chicken.
Ingredients
- 250g (8.8oz) of boneless skinless chicken breast, raw (sliced into small pieces)
- salt and black pepper
- olive oil spray
- 2 slices of wholewheat bread (or 2 small slices of sourdough), sliced into crouton sized pieces
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
- Olive oil spray
- 1 romaine lettuce head, roughly chopped
- 50g (1.7oz) of parmesan shavings
For the Caesar Dressing
- 2 tablespoons of greek yoghurt
- 2 tablespoons of reduced fat mayo
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
- salt and pepper to season
- 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon of dijon mustard
- 1 clove of garlic, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 160°C fan / 180°C / 350°F / gas mark 4.
- Prepare the chicken – Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the chicken – Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat and spray with olive oil. Add the chicken to the hot pan and cook until golden on all sides. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this helps the chicken sear and brown properly rather than steaming. Once cooked, set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the croutons – Add the bread pieces to a bowl, sprinkle with garlic powder and a pinch of salt, then spray generously with olive oil. Toss to coat evenly.
- Bake the croutons – Spread the bread pieces onto a parchment-lined baking tray and bake for around 10 minutes, or until golden. The time may vary depending on the type of bread used, so keep an eye on them.
- Prepare the dressing – Add all the dressing ingredients to a bowl and mix well. Loosen the consistency with water as needed.
- Assemble the salad – Add the chicken pieces, romaine lettuce, and croutons to a large bowl. Pour over the dressing and toss well to coat everything evenly.
- Serve – Divide between two plates and top with Parmesan shavings.
Notes
Please see below for full nutritional info and additional details about recipe:
- Calories - scroll down to nutritional info box
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Nutrition Information
Yield 2 Serving Size 1 SERVINGAmount Per Serving Calories 396Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gCholesterol 116mgSodium 1038mgCarbohydrates 29gFiber 5gSugar 4gProtein 44g
Nutritional information and values etc are an estimate and is to be used for informational purposes only. Ingredients can vary greatly from brand to brand and therefore it would be impossible to give accurate information. It is always advised that you calculate by the ingredients you use.
Shirl Sawyer says
Made this for my Daughter and I and she said it was her best lunch ever!
Kirsty says
this is lush, thank you