Chicken Caesar Salad with Croutons

Ingredients

• Grilled chicken breast 6 oz
• Romaine lettuce 3 cups
• Caesar dressing 2 tbsp
• Whole wheat croutons 1/2 cup
• Parmesan cheese 1 tbsp

Method

1. Prepare the chicken breast. If your chicken breast is not cooked, start by seasoning it lightly with salt and pepper. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken breast for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and juices run clear. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
   Tip: Resting the chicken helps retain its juices, making it more tender and flavorful.
2. Wash and chop the Romaine lettuce. While the chicken is cooking, rinse the Romaine lettuce under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner. Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in a large salad bowl.
   Tip: Dry lettuce will help the dressing stick better and prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
3. Slice the grilled chicken. Once the chicken has rested, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the sliced chicken on top of the chopped Romaine lettuce in the salad bowl.
   Tip: Use a sharp knife for clean slices to make the salad look more appealing.
4. Add Caesar dressing and croutons. Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of Caesar dressing evenly over the lettuce and chicken. Then add the whole wheat croutons on top to add crunch and texture.
   Tip: Add the croutons last to keep them crunchy.
5. Toss and serve with Parmesan cheese. Gently toss the salad to combine all ingredients and coat the lettuce and chicken with the dressing. Finally, sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top and serve immediately.
   Tip: Toss gently to avoid bruising the lettuce.

Pro tips

• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• If you prefer, you can make your own croutons by toasting cubed whole wheat bread with a little olive oil and garlic.