Keto Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

The Keto Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is a carb-conscious twist on the classic Caesar, featuring juicy grilled chicken as the main protein and a rich homemade Caesar dressing made with anchovy paste for savory depth. Crisp romaine lettuce forms the base, while freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty kick and keto-friendly toppings like toasted almonds or Parmesan crisps deliver satisfying crunch without croutons. Grilling the chicken to perfection and tossing the romaine just before serving keeps every bite fresh, crisp, and full of flavor, making this salad a filling and keto-friendly option for lunch or dinner.

Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Salad

Cuisine American, Italian-Inspired

Keyword chicken caesar salad, gluten free, grilled chicken, keto, low-carb, no croutons

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings servings

Calories 640kcal

Equipment

grill or grill pan
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Cutting board
Chef's knife
Tongs
measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

For the grilled chicken

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to even thickness if needed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For the keto Caesar dressing

2 large egg yolks room temperature if possible
4 fillets anchovy fillets packed in oil, drained, or use 2 teaspoons anchovy paste
2 cloves garlic finely minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard no added sugar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce check for low sugar and gluten free if needed
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground, or to taste

For the salad

2 large heads romaine lettuce chopped or torn into bite-size pieces, washed and well dried
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese for topping
1/4 cup sliced almonds lightly toasted, or use crushed pork rinds or Parmesan crisps
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium high heat and lightly oil the grates if needed.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, place them in a shallow dish, and drizzle with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, rubbing the seasonings all over to coat evenly.
Grill the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until nicely charred on the outside and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, then transfer to a plate and let rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
While the chicken cooks, add the egg yolks, anchovy fillets, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce to a mixing bowl and whisk until smooth and well combined.
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly to create a thick, creamy emulsion, then whisk in the grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper, tasting and adjusting seasoning as desired.
Place the chopped romaine in a large salad bowl and add a generous amount of the Caesar dressing, then gently toss until the leaves are evenly coated but not soggy, adding more dressing only as needed.
Slice the rested grilled chicken into strips or bite-size pieces and arrange it over the dressed romaine.
Top the salad with the remaining grated Parmesan, toasted sliced almonds or other keto crunchy topping, and chopped parsley, then serve immediately with extra dressing on the side if desired.

Notes

For food safety, you can use pasteurized egg yolks in the dressing or replace the yolks with 1/4 cup mayonnaise while slowly whisking in the olive oil for a similar creamy texture. Make sure the romaine is very dry before dressing to keep the salad crisp and avoid watering down the flavors. The grilled chicken and Caesar dressing can be meal-prepped up to 4 days in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator, then combined with freshly chopped romaine and crunchy toppings just before serving for best texture. To keep carbs low, avoid store-bought Parmesan blends with starch or fillers and choose plain, freshly grated Parmesan.

Nutrition