High-Protein Caesar Salad
This High-Protein Caesar Salad tastes just like a classic Caesar, but with extras that pack in the protein. Juicy chicken and shrimp are coated in a creamy Caesar dressing made with Greek yogurt and your traditional Caesar ingredients, then tossed in crisp romaine and lots of Parmesan cheese. The result? A classic combo of Caesar salad flavors, with extra nutrients to boot.
Healthy Caesar Salad with Chicken & Shrimp
Sometimes adding more protein to your meals is as simple as making it a surf and turf! For this recipe, I took a traditional Caesar salad and added chicken and shrimp, both lean proteins that’ll give your body the sustenance to power through the day.
This is my first time combining the two, but you could easily do the same with my Keto Lettuce Wraps (Shrimp Louie Style), Spicy Chicken Rice Bowls, or Copycat Cava Bowl with Harissa Chicken and Avocado.
Tossed with crisp lettuce, lots of Parmesan, and a bangin’ homemade dressing, this nutritious meal can alternate between a quick lunch, epic main course, or a notable side dish for whatever the day calls for.
Why You’ll Love It
- A great way to boost your protein intake without sacrificing flavor or variety in your meals.
- The chicken and shrimp combination is a delicious and satisfying twist on regular Caesar salads.
- A good option for those on a low-carb or keto diet, or really anyone looking to up their protein.
- An easy salad recipe with simple ingredients that can be easily modified to your liking.
Featured Salad Ingredients
(Note: These are the recipe’s starring ingredients, but you can find all the ingredients in the recipe card below!)
- Avocado oil mayo: I prefer avocado oil mayo to traditional mayo for its health benefits and neutral flavor.
- Greek yogurt: Adds a creamy texture to the dressing and boosts the protein content.
- Dijon mustard: This gives the creamy dressing a subtle mustard flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dressing.
- Lemon juice: A staple ingredient in any good Caesar!
- Garlic: Fresh garlic is another must-have that adds a bold, savory flavor.
- Anchovy filets: You’ll mince these extra fine for the dressing. Regardless of your stance on anchovies, it’s the ingredient that really adds that unrivaled flavor in a traditional Caesar dressing.
- Parmesan: We all know parmesan and Caesar salad go hand-in-hand!
- Chicken tenderloins: A quick and easy cut of chicken for cooking and serving in the salad.
- Shrimp: For a boost of protein and yum.
- Romaine lettuce: A classic choice for Caesar salad. Feel free to use your favorite salad greens.
- Parmesan crisps: While optional, parmesan crisps add a satisfying salty flavor and crunch to the salad. They’re the low-carb swap for the croutons you’d traditionally serve with a Caesar.
Substitutions
Anchovy fillets: If you don’t have anchovy fillets or prefer not to use them, you can substitute them with anchovy paste.
Chicken: Use whatever cut of chicken you’d like. I used cutlets as they cook quickly.
Cheese: While parmesan is a classic choice for Caesar salad, you can also use other hard cheeses like pecorino romano or asiago.
Bacon: Make this salad a triple threat with some crispy bacon bits!
Cherry tomatoes: Add a pop of color and freshness to the salad with some halved cherry tomatoes.
How to Make High Protein Caesar Salad
The steps are simple, and I’m outlining them below, but be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to view the full, printable recipe card.
STEP 1 – MAKE DRESSING
Start by combining the dressing ingredients (except for the Parmesan, salt, and pepper) in a small bowl. Mix with a whisk, then stir in the Parmesan cheese. Adjust to taste, adding salt and black pepper as needed. Refrigerate while you prepare the salad.
STEP 2 – COOK CHICKEN
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil over medium heat. Season the chicken tenderloins with salt and pepper, then cook each one for about 3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
STEP 3 – COOK SHRIMP
In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then transfer them to the pan and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side or until they are opaque. Transfer to a plate.
STEP 4 – ASSEMBLE & SERVE
Add the romaine lettuce to a large salad bowl, then add the cooked chicken pieces and Parmesan cheese. Toss it with about half of the Caesar dressing.
Plate servings of the Caesar with the shrimp, extra dressing, and a small handful of Parmesan crisps for extra crunch.
ENJOY!
Tips for Best Results
- While I highly recommend making my homemade Caesar dressing, you can use store-bought dressing if you’re short on time. Just remember to taste and adjust the flavors as necessary.
- For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients whenever possible. This includes squeezing your own lemon juice, using freshly grated parmesan cheese, and using fresh garlic instead of garlic powder.
- This recipe is great for when you have leftover chicken or shrimp from another meal. Just add it to the salad for an effortless lunch or dinner.
Storage
If you have any leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to keep the dressing separate and add it right before serving to avoid soggy lettuce. The salad will be kept for 1-2 days.
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High-Protein Caesar Salad
This high-protein Caesar salad takes the classic up a few notches by adding juicy chicken and shrimp into the mix for a protein-packed lunch or dinner. It's flavorful, satiating, and will be ready in under 20 minutes!
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/4 cup avocado oil mayo
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 anchovy filets, minced
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Salad
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil, divided
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins
- ½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and pepper
- 4 cups finely chopped romaine lettuce
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- Parmesan crisps, optional
Instructions
- Combine dressing ingredients (except for the Parmesan, salt, and pepper) in a small bowl. Mix with a whisk, then stir in the Parmesan cheese. Adjust to taste, adding salt and pepper as needed. Refrigerate while you prepare the salad.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil over medium heat. Season the chicken tenderloins with salt and pepper, then cook each one for about 3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then transfer them to the pan and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side or until they are opaque. Transfer to a plate.
- Add the romaine lettuce to a large salad bowl, then add the chicken pieces and Parmesan cheese. Toss it with about half of the Caesar dressing.
- Plate servings of the Caesar with the shrimp, extra dressing, and a small handful of Parmesan crisps for extra crunch.
Notes
If you have any leftover salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure to keep the dressing separate and add it right before serving to avoid soggy lettuce. The salad will be kept for 1-2 days.
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