DESCRIPTION OF LUMINOUS GARDEN CAESAR SALAD
The Luminous Garden Caesar Salad elevates a traditional favourite with a healthier twist, featuring marinated grilled chicken and a bounty of fresh greens. Perfectly balanced with a light homemade dressing, this salad offers a satisfying crunch with homemade croutons and a sprinkle of Parmesan, making it ideal for any meal that requires a touch of gourmet yet wholesome flair.
RECIPE CATEGORY
- Entrée
SERVING SIZE
- Serves 4
CUISINE
- Italian
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
- Marinate, Grill, No-Cook
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
- Summer, Backyard BBQ, Family Reunion
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
- Healthy, Low Fat, Low Sodium, High Fibre
DISH TYPE
- Salad
INGREDIENTS FOR LUMINOUS GARDEN CAESAR SALAD
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Salad:
- 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
- Homemade Caesar dressing
- Homemade croutons
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: Approx. 320 per serving
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
PREPARATION FOR LUMINOUS GARDEN CAESAR SALAD
- Marinate Chicken: Combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Grill Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken until cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Let rest before slicing.
- Prepare Salad: In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, ensuring all the leaves are evenly coated.
- Assemble Salad: Add the sliced grilled chicken on top of the dressed lettuce. Sprinkle with homemade croutons and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Garnish with extra lemon wedges and serve immediately.
PREP TIME
- 45 minutes (including marination)
COOKING TIME
- 15 minutes
TIPS FOR LUMINOUS GARDEN CAESAR SALAD
- For the juiciest chicken, let it rest for a few minutes after grilling before slicing.
- Enhance the dressing with anchovies or capers for an umami boost.
VARIATIONS
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bread for croutons or omit them.
PREPPING AND STORAGE GUIDE FOR GARDEN CAESAR SALAD
- Salad can be prepped ahead, with dressing stored separately and added just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Store the grilled chicken and dressing in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This Luminous Garden Caesar Salad brings a fresh perspective to a classic, combining health-conscious ingredients with strong flavours, perfect for a nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.