Keto Caesar Salad with Chicken – Easy 25 Minute Low-Carb Salad

This Keto Caesar Salad is a clean, low-carb version of the classic restaurant favorite — rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying without hidden sugars or croutons. Crisp romaine lettuce, juicy pan-seared chicken, and shaved Parmesan are brought together with a homemade Caesar dressing that’s bold, savory, and perfectly balanced. The dressing is sugar-free, customizable, and can be made with or without anchovies depending on your preference. This salad works beautifully as a high-protein lunch, a light dinner, or even as part of a keto-friendly dinner table. It’s fast to prepare, easy to scale, and feels indulgent while staying fully keto. If you love classic flavors but want to keep carbs low, this salad is a reliable go-to.

30-Minute Meals, Chicken, High-Protein, Leafy Greens, Parmesan, Skillet, Weeknight Dinner

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Ingredients for Keto Caesar Salad with Chicken

Base:

• 2 medium romaine hearts (~300 g)
• 2 cooked chicken breasts or thighs, sliced
• 50 g grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking chicken)

Dressing:

• 1 egg yolk (or 1 whole pasteurized egg)
• 2–3 anchovy fillets (optional, but authentic)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp garlic powder or 1 clove
• 60 ml olive oil (or mix with avocado oil)
• 30 g grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden on the outside and fully cooked inside, about 4–5 minutes per side depending on thickness. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the dressing base: In a blender or food processor, add the egg yolk (or whole egg), anchovy fillets if using, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and garlic. Blend briefly until smooth and aromatic.
3. Emulsify the dressing: With the blender running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil in a thin stream. This step is crucial — it creates a thick, creamy emulsion rather than a broken sauce.
4. Finish the dressing: Add grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Blend again until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning or acidity if needed.
5. Assemble the salad: Tear the romaine lettuce into large pieces and place in a wide bowl. Add sliced chicken and grated Parmesan.
6. Dress and toss: Spoon the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately, adding extra Parmesan on top if desired.

📊 Nutrition Facts (per serving, est.)

💡 Tips & Variations

• Anchovies add depth, not fishiness — but if you skip them, increase Parmesan slightly for umami.
• Rotisserie chicken saves time and works perfectly for meal prep.
• Adding crispy bacon bits increases richness (+40–50 kcal per serving).
• A soft-boiled egg adds creaminess and protein (+60–70 kcal per serving).
• For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted almond slivers (+50 kcal per tablespoon).
• For dairy-free, skip Parmesan and use nutritional yeast instead (flavor will change).
• Keep dressing thick — it should coat leaves, not pool at the bottom.

Storage & Meal Prep 🧊

• For best texture, store salad components separately.
• Keep washed and dried romaine in a sealed container with paper towels for up to 2 days.
• Cooked chicken keeps well for 3–4 days in the fridge.
• The Caesar dressing can be stored in an airtight jar for 3–4 days and should be shaken or stirred before use.
• Avoid dressing the salad in advance, as the lettuce will soften quickly once coated.

What to Serve With 🥗

• Keto garlic bread or seed crackers
• Cauliflower soup
• Low-carb veggie chips
• Cheese plate with Parmesan and aged cheddar
• Grilled vegetables or baked asparagus

FAQ

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Keywords

keto Caesar salad, low carb salad, chicken Caesar, gluten free Caesar dressing, keto lunch ideas