Name: Avocado Chicken Caesar Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced; 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped; 1 avocado, diced; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup whole wheat croutons; 1/4 cup light Caesar dressing; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Why You’ll Love Avocado Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe

The avocado-based dressing gives you the creamy, rich texture of a Caesar without relying on mayonnaise or raw egg, making it a bit lighter yet indulgent.
It’s loaded with a balance of fresh greens, healthy fats from avocado, lean protein from chicken, and crunch from croutons — in other words, a satisfying complete meal in a bowl.
It’s quick to prepare: about 25 minutes total from start to finish.

Ingredients

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

For the salad
shredded kale (packed)
chopped romaine lettuce (packed)
grilled chicken breast, sliced
avocado, sliced
shaved Parmesan cheese
homemade croutons
avocado Caesar dressing

For the homemade croutons
diced sourdough bread
lemon juice
olive oil
shredded Parmesan cheese

For the avocado Caesar dressing
avocado (or mashed avocado)
lemon juice
a clove of garlic
Worcestershire sauce
Dijon mustard
shredded Parmesan cheese
olive oil
salt
freshly ground pepper

Directions

Make the croutons: Preheat the oven to 400 °F (200 °C). On a parchment-lined baking sheet, toss diced sourdough bread with lemon juice, olive oil, and Parmesan. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until golden and crispy. Set aside.
Make the dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, lemon juice, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, Parmesan, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine kale, romaine, and croutons. Toss with avocado Caesar dressing until greens are well coated. Divide into serving bowls and top with sliced chicken, avocado, and shaved Parmesan.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Cook time: ~10 minutes
Total time: ~25 minutes

Variations

Use a mix of romaine and arugula or spinach instead of kale if you prefer a milder green.
Swap the grilled chicken with shrimp, salmon, or tofu for a different protein profile.
Add extras like cherry tomatoes, crispy bacon, or hard-boiled eggs to boost flavor and nutrition.
Use store-bought croutons and dressing to save time when needed.
Make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and increasing the avocado or adding plant-based protein like chickpeas.

Storage/Reheating

Store the avocado Caesar dressing separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Keep croutons in a sealed container at room temperature to maintain crispness.
For leftovers, store greens and toppings separately from dressing. Combine just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Do not freeze this salad — the greens and avocado will not hold up well after thawing.

FAQs

What type of avocado should I use?

Use a ripe Hass avocado. It should feel slightly soft when gently squeezed but not mushy.

Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing instead of the avocado dressing?

Yes, though it will change the flavor. Store-bought Caesar dressing can be used for convenience, but you’ll miss the freshness of the avocado-based version.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, if stored correctly. Keep all components separate and assemble just before eating.

Can I grill the chicken ahead of time?

Definitely. Grilled chicken can be made 1–2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.

What can I use instead of sourdough for croutons?

Ciabatta, baguette, or any hearty bread will work well for homemade croutons.

My avocado dressing turned brown — is it still okay?

Yes. Avocado naturally oxidizes and browns. It’s safe to eat, though less visually appealing. Store with plastic wrap pressed on the surface to slow browning.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes. Use a plant-based Parmesan substitute, omit chicken, and use vegan Worcestershire sauce.

Is the salad crunchy even with avocado and dressing?

Yes, thanks to the homemade croutons and sturdy greens like kale and romaine.

How long will leftovers stay good?

Undressed salad components will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Once dressed, eat within a few hours.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just double all ingredients. If making dressing in a small blender, you may need to do it in batches.

Conclusion

This Avocado Chicken Caesar Salad offers everything you want in a balanced, flavor-packed meal — creamy, crunchy, fresh, and satisfying. The avocado dressing adds a unique and wholesome spin to the traditional Caesar, while the grilled chicken and homemade croutons keep things hearty. Whether you’re prepping lunches for the week or serving dinner to guests, this salad is a go-to recipe you’ll come back to again and again.