Sometimes the day just demands something fresh but filling, you know? I remember one afternoon when I was halfway through a long work-from-home day, and I didn’t want to spend forever in the kitchen or feel weighed down afterward. So I grabbed some chicken breasts, chopped up romaine lettuce, and whipped up a dressing that was creamy but not heavy. The grill pan sizzled, and the smell of lemon and garlic filled the room — it was so tempting I almost snuck a bite before the salad was assembled. The crunch of the lettuce combined with the warm, juicy chicken made every forkful feel like a little celebration. It wasn’t perfect, though — I had to pause mid-salad to answer a call, so the chicken cooled a bit more than I planned, but honestly, it still tasted fantastic. That mix of fresh, savory, and just a hint of tang made it one of those meals I wanted to remember for the next busy day.

Why You’ll Love It:
– It’s light and fresh without skimping on flavor, perfect for when you want a meal that feels like a treat but isn’t heavy.
– The homemade dressing is creamy and tangy but uses Greek yogurt, so it’s a healthier twist on the classic Caesar.
– Quick to prepare, making it a great choice for lunch or a simple dinner when time is tight.
– It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated ingredients or steps, just good food.

If you’re someone who likes to prep ahead, the chicken and dressing can be made in advance, which saves even more time when hunger strikes.

Low Calorie Chicken Caesar Salad

Print Recipe

A light and healthy version of the classic Caesar salad featuring grilled chicken breast, crisp romaine lettuce, and a low calorie homemade Caesar dressing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2

Ingredients

Scale

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Brush this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
Grill the chicken breasts for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
While the chicken is resting, prepare the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Slice the grilled chicken breasts into thin strips.
In a large salad bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Add the sliced chicken on top of the salad.
Drizzle the low calorie Caesar dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
Serve immediately.

Kitchen Notes: The grill pan is all you really need here, and it’s pretty forgiving if your chicken isn’t sliced perfectly thin. This salad works well with crusty bread on the side if you want a little extra, or toss in some avocado slices for creaminess if you’re feeling fancy. I haven’t tried it with kale instead of romaine, but it might add a nice twist if you like a bit more bite. Sometimes I swap the cherry tomatoes for cucumber or add a handful of toasted almonds just to mix up textures a bit.

FAQ:
Q: Can I make this salad vegetarian?
A: You can skip the chicken and add chickpeas or grilled tofu, though it will change the texture and protein source.

Q: How long will the dressing keep?
A: It stays good in the fridge for about four days, so it’s great for prepping ahead.

Q: Can I use a different cheese?
A: Parmesan really nails the classic flavor, but a Pecorino Romano could work if you want something a bit sharper.

Ready to make your next lunch lighter but still delicious? Save this recipe and get ready to toss together a salad that feels like a little lift in your day.