Protein-Packed Low-Carb Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken and Bacon
Filling low-carb salad with protein-rich chicken and bacon
Prep 20 min
Cook 20 min
Total 40 min
Serves 5
This low-carb Caesar salad swaps croutons for extra protein, featuring grilled chicken and crispy bacon tossed in a creamy homemade dressing. Packed with flavor and nutrients, it’s a perfect midday meal to keep you energized without the carbs.
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Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp garlic (finely minced)
- 2 anchovy fillets (or 3/4 tsp anchovy paste)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3-4 tbsp milk (to thin dressing)
- 1/4 tsp salt (plus extra for seasoning)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (plus extra for seasoning)
- 150 g streaky bacon (cooked and chopped)
- 10 cups cos or romaine lettuce (washed and chopped)
- 4 eggs (cooked to preference, peeled and halved)
- 500 g chicken breast fillets (two pieces, pounded or halved horizontally)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, anchovy fillets, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Blend while gradually adding 3 to 4 tablespoons of milk until the dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Set aside to let flavors meld for at least 20 minutes.
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for about 5 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook another 2 minutes until cooked through. Remove from heat, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Meanwhile, place eggs in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 6 minutes for hard-boiled eggs. Cool in ice water before peeling and halving.
- In a large bowl, toss the chopped lettuce with half the Caesar dressing. Taste and add more dressing if desired.
- Divide the dressed lettuce between plates or a large serving bowl. Top with sliced grilled chicken, halved eggs, and crispy bacon. Finish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve immediately.
Pro tip: For even juicier chicken, let it rest covered after cooking to redistribute the juices before slicing.
Nutrition
This recipe works out to about 420 calories per serving. For the full breakdown, protein, carbs, and fat included, save it in the Forkful app: nutrition is calculated automatically from the ingredient list.
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