Golden Crouton Caesar with Chicken & Chopped Tomato
Description
A serious Caesar salad with extra TLC: cold-soaked lettuce for max crisp, creamy garlicky dressing, golden homemade ciabatta croutons, juicy seared chicken, and finely chopped tomatoes for juicy bursts in every bite.
Ingredients
Optional
Instructions
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Preheat & Soak Lettuce
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Chop romaine into bite-sized pieces and soak in cold water for 5 minutes. Drain and spin dry using a salad spinner.
Cold soaking boosts crunch. Drying thoroughly helps dressing stick.
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Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
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½ cup mayonnaise
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2 tsp Dijon mustard
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2 minced garlic cloves
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Zest and juice of 1 lemon
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Half the Parmesan (¼ cup)
Thin with water if needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
For dairy-free, sub nutritional yeast for Parmesan. -
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Toast Ciabatta Croutons
Cube the ciabatta and toss with 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 8–10 minutes, until golden and crispy.
Check halfway and toss to ensure even browning.
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Cook the Chicken
Pat chicken dry. Season with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until fully cooked (165°F internal temp). Let rest 2–3 minutes, then slice thinly.
Resting keeps the juices in the chicken.
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Chop the Tomatoes
Finely chop roma tomatoes using a vegetable chopper for even, juicy bites.
This adds brightness and balances the creamy dressing.
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Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, toss romaine with dressing. Top with chicken slices, toasted croutons, chopped tomato, and remaining Parmesan. Garnish with parsley or other fresh herbs if using. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Optional toppings: Avocado slices, toasted pumpkin seeds, or extra nutritional yeast.
Lymph-Friendly Tips
Soaking lettuce boosts hydration and makes every bite ultra crisp. Nutritional yeast gives cheesy depth without dairy, and swapping for sprouted bread supports digestion and stable blood sugar.
What makes this salad lymph-friendly?
This version uses:
- Olive oil & avocado for anti-inflammatory fats
- Nutritional yeast instead of cheese
- Low-sodium dressing
- Hydrating, high-fiber ingredients like romaine and tomato
Why Add Avocado to Caesar Salad?
✔ Creamy Texture
Avocado mimics the richness of Caesar dressing, especially useful if you're using lighter or dairy-free dressings.
✔ Healthy Fats
It's rich in monounsaturated fats, which support anti-inflammatory health — ideal for lipedema, lymphedema, and overall heart health.
✔ Satiety Boost
Avocado adds staying power, turning a salad into a more filling meal.
✔ Modern Flair
Many upscale and California-style restaurants now offer avocado chicken Caesar salads or avocado Caesar wraps.
Kitchen Tool Highlight
We used this veggie chopper to get perfectly uniform tomato chunks with no mess.
Storage Tip
Keep lettuce and dressing separate if storing for later. Croutons will stay crisp in a container for 2–3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes — prep the components separately: wash and dry the lettuce, make the dressing, and store croutons in an airtight container. Assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
What can I use instead of Parmesan?
Try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. It’s rich in B vitamins and works well in both traditional and lymph-friendly versions.
Is ciabatta bread required for croutons?
No, you can use any hearty bread. For a healthier twist, try sprouted grain bread or whole wheat sourdough to lower glycemic impact.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Cook chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace chicken with grilled tofu, chickpeas, or tempeh. You can also add avocado or a soft-boiled egg for protein and texture.