Yogurt Caesar Grilled Chicken Salad

Last summer, when my kitchen felt like a sauna and turning on the oven was absolutely out of the question, I stumbled onto something that changed my entire salad game. My friend had brought over grilled chicken from a weekend barbecue, and I had half a container of Greek yogurt that needed using. The combination was so satisfying that I actually craved salads for lunch the entire week afterward.

I served this at my first proper dinner party after moving into my new apartment, nervously hoping the yogurt twist would not disappoint my Caesar-loving guests. Watching them go back for seconds and actually ask for the dressing recipe was the kind of quiet kitchen victory that still makes me smile every time I make it now.

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pound them to even thickness if you have time, which helps them cook more evenly and stay juicy
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: This creates a beautiful golden char and keeps the chicken from sticking to the grill
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Distributed evenly, this gives each bite a savory depth without the burnt bits fresh garlic can produce on high heat
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds that Mediterranean backbone that pairs so beautifully with grilled meats
• ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper: The foundational seasoning that brings everything together
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt: Use 2% or whole milk yogurt for the creamiest result and best tangy flavor profile
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated matters here, it melts into the yogurt instead of sitting grainy
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brightens the entire dressing and cuts through the rich yogurt perfectly
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: Adds silky body and helps the dressing cling to every leaf of lettuce
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: The secret emulsifier that keeps the dressing creamy and stable
• 1 small garlic clove finely minced: Fresh garlic here works beautifully since it will not be exposed to direct high heat
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce: Provides that deep umami note that makes a Caesar taste like a Caesar
• ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adjust these to taste after the dressing comes together
• 2 large heads romaine lettuce: Look for tight, crisp heads with no wilting or browning at the edges
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes halved: These add little bursts of sweetness and beautiful color contrast
• ½ cup croutons: Homemade or store bought, they add the essential crunch element
• ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese: Use a vegetable peeler to create elegant thin shards that melt on your tongue

Instructions

Fire up the grill:

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium high heat, letting it get good and hot so those beautiful sear marks form immediately when the chicken hits the grates

Season the chicken generously:

Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil, then sprinkle the garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper over every surface, pressing gently to help it adhere

Grill to perfection:

Cook the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side until it reaches 165°F internally, then let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing into strips across the grain

Whisk up the magic:

While the chicken rests, combine the Greek yogurt, Parmesan, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon, garlic, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper in a bowl, whisking until completely smooth and creamy

Build the salad:

Place the chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, and croutons in a large bowl, drizzle with about half the dressing, and toss gently until every leaf is lightly coated

Assemble and serve:

Arrange the dressed salad on plates or a large platter, top with the grilled chicken strips, scatter the shaved Parmesan over everything, and serve immediately while the chicken is still warm

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This recipe has become my go to for summer evenings when the thought of cooking anything elaborate feels impossible. Something about the cool, crisp lettuce against the warm, smoky chicken just hits differently on those sticky August nights when cooking dinner feels like a chore.

Making It Your Own

I have found that marinating the chicken in a few tablespoons of the dressing for 30 minutes before grilling adds an incredible depth of flavor. The yogurt tenderizes the meat while the garlic and herbs penetrate deeper, resulting in chicken that tastes good even without the salad underneath it.

The Crouton Situation

Homemade croutons from day old sourdough bread will elevate this salad from dinner table to restaurant quality in about ten minutes. Cube the bread, toss with olive oil and garlic powder, and bake at 400°F until golden and crisp. They freeze beautifully, so I always make a double batch.

Make Ahead Strategy

The dressing actually develops more flavor after a day in the refrigerator, so feel free to whisk it up on Sunday and keep it in a jar for the whole week. Just give it a good stir before using, as the ingredients may separate slightly.

• Wash and chop your lettuce in advance, then store it in a container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture
• Grill extra chicken on Sunday and use it throughout the week for quick lunches
• Keep the croutons separate until serving to maintain their crunch

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There is something deeply satisfying about a salad that feels substantial enough to be a real meal, and this one hits that perfect sweet spot every single time.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What makes this Caesar different from traditional versions?

This version swaps heavy mayonnaise for Greek yogurt in the dressing, creating a lighter yet still creamy texture. The yogurt provides tanginess and protein while reducing calories and fat compared to traditional Caesar dressings.

→ Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely. The yogurt Caesar dressing can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors often meld together and improve after sitting for a few hours.

→ Is there a way to add more traditional Caesar flavor?

You can incorporate 1-2 teaspoons of anchovy paste into the dressing for that authentic umami depth many traditional Caesar lovers expect. The Worcestershire sauce already provides some of these notes.

→ What protein alternatives work well?

Grilled shrimp, sliced steak, or even chickpeas make excellent protein alternatives. The yogurt Caesar dressing pairs beautifully with various proteins, allowing you to customize based on preference or dietary needs.

→ How do I prevent the salad from getting soggy?

Dress the salad just before serving rather than ahead of time. If meal prepping, store the dressing separately and toss when ready to eat. The grilled chicken can be sliced and refrigerated, then added cold or briefly reheated.