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Golden Crouton Caesar with Chicken & Chopped Tomato

A large glass bowl of Caesar salad with romaine, croutons, sliced chicken, and tomatoes, being sprinkled with Parmesan, with a lemon wedge and parsley nearby.
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Rest Time 2 mins
Total Time 32 mins
Cuisine: ,
Courses:
Difficulty: Beginner
Cooking Temp: 400  F
Servings: 4
Estimated Cost: 12
Calories: 480 kcal per serving (estimated)
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Dietary: anti-inflammatory, dairy optional, gluten optional, low sugar, lymph-friendly
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
  • 2 Romaine hearts (Chopped, soaked in cold water, then spun dry)
  • 4 cloves Fresh Garlic (Minced)
  • 1 Lemon (Zested and halved)
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (Full-fat or avocado oil-based)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (Grated or Finely Shredded Cheese)
  • 1 Italian Style Ciabatta Sandwich Roll (Cut into ½-inch cubes)
  • 4 tbsp Olive oil (Divided — 2 tbsp for croutons, 2 tbsp for cooking)
  • 2 Chicken breast (Boneless, skinless; 2 medium breasts)
  • 2 Roma tomatoes (Finely chopped using a veggie chopper)
    • Optional
  • 1 Avocado (For healthy fats and creamy texture)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Italian Parsley Bunch (Brightens the flavor and adds a fresh herbal note)
Instructions
  1. 1
    Preheat & Soak LettuceChopped romaine lettuce soaking in a glass bowl of ice water on a marble counter, with a salad spinner and towel nearby.

    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.
  2. 2
    Make the DressingA hand whisking creamy Caesar dressing in a glass bowl, with lemon, garlic, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan cheese nearby on a marble counter.

    In a medium bowl, whisk together:

    • ½ cup mayonnaise

    • 2 tsp Dijon mustard

    • 2 minced garlic cloves

    • Zest and juice of 1 lemon

    • 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.
  3. 3
    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.
  4. 4
    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.
  5. 5
    Chop the TomatoesFinely chop roma tomatoes using a vegetable chopper for even, juicy bites.
    This adds brightness and balances the creamy dressing.
  6. 6
    Assemble the SaladA large glass bowl of Caesar salad with romaine, croutons, sliced chicken, and tomatoes, being sprinkled with Parmesan, with a lemon wedge and parsley nearby.

    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
Keywords: caesar salad, chicken caesar, homemade croutons, ciabatta croutons, chopped tomato salad, creamy garlic dressing, healthy salad, dinner salad, easy chicken salad, romaine salad

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.

Thank you for nourishing your body with intention. I hope this recipe supports your wellness journey with real food, real comfort, and real-life ease. For more lymph-friendly recipes and lifestyle tips, visit [Lipedema Bites](https://lipedemabites.com).