Description
Succulent grilled chicken crowns this classic Caesar salad, combining crisp romaine lettuce, parmesan shavings, and homemade croutons. Mediterranean flavors dance with creamy dressing, inviting you to savor a light yet satisfying meal that celebrates fresh ingredients and timeless culinary tradition.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.25 pounds or 567 grams)
Salad Components:
- 2 hearts of romaine, cut into ½-inch ribbons
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 4 white pita breads
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) grated parmesan cheese
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) plain greek yogurt
- 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Craft a zesty yogurt-based dressing by whisking Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until silky smooth. Divide the mixture, reserving half for the salad dressing and setting aside the remainder for marinating chicken.
- Slice chicken breasts into slender diagonal strips. Immerse the strips in the reserved marinade within a sealed zip-top bag, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for minimum 3 hours, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
- Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes prior to cooking, allowing it to reach ambient temperature. Heat grill or skillet to medium-high, lightly coating cooking surface with oil.
- Grill chicken strips, turning once, until exterior develops golden-brown caramelization and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Allow meat to rest briefly before chopping into bite-sized morsels.
- Cleanse and shred romaine lettuce into delicate ribbons. Toss lettuce with reserved yogurt dressing, ensuring even distribution of tangy coating.
- Warm pita breads by wrapping in damp paper towels and microwaving for 30-45 seconds. Carefully split each pita pocket, creating a receptacle for salad ingredients.
- Layer pita pockets with dressed lettuce, scatter quartered cherry tomatoes, and crown with grilled chicken pieces. Drizzle additional dressing if desired. Serve immediately to savor the vibrant, fresh flavors.
Notes
- Master the art of quick meal prep by having all ingredients measured and ready before starting.
- Marinating chicken overnight intensifies flavors and ensures tender, juicy results.
- Customize salad with additional toppings like croutons, extra parmesan, or sliced olives for personal flair.
- Prep Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg