It’s so quick and simple to put together on any busy weeknight!
I made this easy homemade Caesar salad without anchovies and raw eggs, and it’s the best Caesar salad I’ve ever eaten. It’s better than any restaurant salad, and you can actually get this on the table in twenty to thirty minutes. So, you’ll definitely want to add this to your quick and easy weeknight meal list.
We fell in love with this for several reasons. The juicy chicken is tossed in my luscious, lemony avgolemono dressing, and the crunchy homemade croutons are the best ever. Thank goodness you can’t have a Caesar salad without delicious croutons.
The dressing is so delicious, even without the traditional raw egg and anchovies. I’m not sure how it beats traditional Caesar dressing, but you’ll discover it really does.
Why is this the best Caesar salad?
Herby, juicy, lemony Chicken
Buttery, crispy, croutons
Fresh, tangy Caesar dressing
Quick, easy, and homemade
What are the components of Caeser salad?
Romaine lettuce -I like romaine because it’s a bit sturdier than green leaf or butter lettuce. However, use what you like or what you have on hand.
Parmesan cheese -or the Greek version of parmesan cheese, known as Kefalograviera Cheese, grated or shredded.
Homemade croutons -I made these specifically for this salad, and they are perfectly buttery, crunchy, and herby.
Chicken –I use chicken tenders to make it super quick and easy to cook and cut for the salad.
Homemade Caesar Dressing -good store-bought dressings are really hard to find, and you can taste the fresh ingredients in this simple recipe.
What do I need for the chicken?
Chicken tenders -these stay tender and juicy and are so easy to cook. You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs or pound out some chicken breast.
Fresh lemon juice -adds a lemony brightness to the chicken.
Garlic clove -grated or minced for best flavor, but garlic powder is a good substitute.
Dried oregano -I keep the seasoning the same throughout the dish with my favorite herb but feel free to use your favorite or a combination of herbs.
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper -the most efficient duo for enhancing flavor.
What’s in Caesar dressing?
Mayonnaise -since mayonnaise is made from eggs, it made sense for this to be the perfect substitute and gives the dressing a beautiful creamy texture.
Half and half -because mayonnaise is thicker than eggs, this helps thin out the dressing without taking away from the creaminess.
Garlic clove -grated or minced adds the perfect amount of garlic flavor.
Fresh lemon juice -adds a bright acidity to the dressing
Dijon mustard -adds the tang to the dressing and balances the lemon.
Worcestershire sauce -this is the substitute for the anchovies, and it adds a good bit of umami flavor without any fishiness.
How do I cook the chicken in the Air Fryer?
Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F and cook the chicken in an even layer for 3-4 minutes per side. Air fry in several batches so that the chicken cooks evenly.
What’s the best way to cook chicken on the stovetop?
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2-4 tablespoons olive oil, then place the chicken in the pan in an even layer. Cook for 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and slice the chicken after 5 minutes.
How do I cook the chicken on the grill?
Heat a grill over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until the internal temperture reaches 165°F.
How do I serve Caesar salad?
Cut the lettuce and wash with cold water. Drain and dry the leaves in a salad spinner. Transfer them to a large bowl and add the dressing, croutons, and parmesan cheese. Toss to coat. Slice the chicken tenders and serve them on top of the salad. Kali Orexi!
When can I serve Caesar salad?
I love that this is an easy, complete meal with lettuce salad and chicken on top. It makes a delicious lunch and a nice light dinner, just like my Tuna & Potato Salad, Cretan Dakos Salad, and the ever-popular Greek Salad Potato Salad from Tarpon Springs. I encourage you to try them all!
Watch the Video:
Easy Homemade Caesar Salad without Anchovies & Raw Eggs
This homemade chicken caesar salad is better than any restaurant's. So quick and easy to put together on any busy weeknight. Plus the dressing is made without raw eggs and anchovies.
Ingredients
- 2 heads Romaine lettuce
- grated or shredded Parmesan cheese
- homemade croutons
For the Chicken:
- 1 and 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt, to taste
- freshly cracked black pepper to taste
For the Caesar Salad Dressing:
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup half and half
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 1 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- black pepper
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: Combine all of the salad dressing ingredients together in a small bowl and whisk together until smooth. Set aside.
- Make the Chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a large bowl. Add all of the remaining ingredients to a small bowl and whisk together. Pour over the chicken and toss to coat. Cook the chicken either on a grill, in an air fryer or on the stovetop using a cast-iron skillet. (see notes) The chicken is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165 °F.
- Cut the lettuce and wash with cold water. Drain and dry the leaves in a salad spinner. Transfer them to a large bowl and add the dressing, croutons, and parmesan cheese. Toss to coat.
- Slice the chicken tenders and serve them on top of the salad.
- Kali Orexi!
Notes
Chicken Cooking Instructions:
Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F and cook the chicken in an even layer for 3-4 minutes per side. Air fry in several batches so that the chicken cooks evenly.
Stovetop: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2-4 tablespoons olive oil and then place the chicken in the pan in an even layer. Cook 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and slice the chicken after 5 minutes.
Grill: Heat a grill over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken 2-3 minutes per side.
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