Cajun Chicken Caesar Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love classic Caesar salad but crave something with a bit of a kick, this Cajun Chicken Caesar Salad is exactly what you need. The Cajun-spiced chicken adds a smoky, spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy, tangy Caesar dressing. The combination of crunchy lettuce, fresh vegetables, and rich Parmesan cheese elevates the dish, while the homemade Cajun Caesar dressing makes it irresistibly delicious. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it a great option for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1/2 cup corn (fresh or canned)
• 2 heads romaine lettuce (sliced)
• 1/2 red onion (sliced)
• 1 avocado
• 1/2 cup grape or cherry tomatoes (halved)
• Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Cajun Caesar Dressing:

• 2 lemons (juiced)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• Pinch of salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning and lemon zest. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove from heat and set aside to rest before slicing.
2. Make the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, Cajun seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Adjust seasoning to taste if necessary.
3. Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, red onion, avocado, grape tomatoes, and corn. Toss to combine.
4. Serve: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips and place on top of the salad. Drizzle the Cajun Caesar dressing over the salad, toss gently to coat, and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Grilled chicken: For a lighter version, you can grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet.
• Add extra veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, or olives for additional flavor and texture.
• Spicy: Increase the amount of Cajun seasoning in the dressing for an extra kick of heat.
• Gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just make sure to check the Worcestershire sauce for any gluten-containing ingredients.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The salad components, such as the lettuce and veggies, are best consumed fresh, but they can be stored for up to 1 day.
• Reheating: To reheat the chicken, place it in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat to avoid drying it out. Do not heat the salad or dressing.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use leftover or rotisserie chicken. Just season it with Cajun spices before adding it to the salad.

2. How spicy is the Cajun chicken?

The Cajun seasoning adds a moderate level of spice, but you can adjust the amount based on your preference. If you prefer less heat, reduce the Cajun seasoning.

3. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Cajun Caesar dressing up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container for best results.

4. Is the Cajun Caesar dressing gluten-free?

Yes, this dressing is gluten-free, as long as the Worcestershire sauce you use is gluten-free. Some Worcestershire sauces contain gluten, so check the label to be sure.

5. Can I substitute other greens for romaine lettuce?

Yes! You can use other greens like spinach, kale, or mixed greens if you prefer a different flavor or texture.

6. How do I store leftover dressing?

Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

7. Can I add a different protein?

Absolutely! Grilled shrimp, salmon, or even tofu would be great alternatives if you’re looking for a variation in protein.

8. Can I use bottled Caesar dressing?

While homemade dressing adds more flavor, you can certainly use a store-bought Caesar dressing if you’re short on time. Just be sure to add a bit of extra Cajun seasoning to keep the flavor profile intact.

9. How do I make this salad low-carb?

To make this dish lower in carbs, you can skip the corn and reduce the amount of dressing used, or try a low-carb dressing option.

10. Can I prepare this salad in advance?

It’s best to assemble the salad just before serving, as the lettuce can wilt if it sits too long with the dressing. However, you can prep the chicken, vegetables, and dressing in advance and assemble the salad when ready to eat.

Conclusion

This Cajun Chicken Caesar Salad is the perfect combination of spicy, savory, and fresh. The Cajun-seasoned chicken adds a bold flavor, while the creamy Caesar dressing and fresh ingredients balance it out beautifully. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. Whether you’re craving a light lunch or a satisfying dinner, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!

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