Experience the perfect balance of smoky, savory, and crisp with this Vegetarian Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, a plant-based twist on a beloved classic. Grilled vegetarian chicken fillets bring a satisfying, protein-packed heartiness, while homemade garlic ciabatta croutons add an irresistible crunch. Crisp romaine lettuce is the refreshing backbone of the dish, generously coated in a rich and tangy Caesar dressing and topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese for the ultimate umami hit. A drizzle of lemon juice brightens up the flavors, making this vibrant, meatless Caesar salad an ideal choice for a wholesome lunch or light dinner. Perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking to explore plant-based, flavorful meals, this easy recipe is ready in just 30 minutes and sure to impress!
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.
Brush vegetarian chicken fillets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
Grill the vegetarian chicken fillets for about 5-7 minutes on each side until heated through and grill marks appear. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Chop the ciabatta bread into small cubes. Place them on a baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 clove of crushed garlic, and a pinch of salt.
Bake the bread cubes in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes or until they are golden brown and crisp. Once done, remove and allow to cool.
While the bread is toasting, chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl.
Slice the grilled vegetarian chicken fillets into strips.
To the salad bowl with lettuce, add the vegetarian chicken strips, toasted ciabatta croutons, 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, and remaining crushed garlic.
Pour the caesar dressing and lemon juice over the salad. Toss everything gently until the ingredients are well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
Serve the salad in bowls and, if desired, sprinkle extra parmesan cheese and a crack of black pepper on top.
Calories |
1541 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 72.4 g | 93% | |
| Saturated Fat | 16.8 g | 84% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 46 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 5915 mg | 257% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 147.5 g | 54% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.4 g | 94% | |
| Total Sugars | 21.9 g | ||
| Protein | 86.6 g | 173% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1033 mg | 79% | |
| Iron | 19.3 mg | 107% | |
| Potassium | 2838 mg | 60% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.