Yogurt Caesar Grilled Chicken Salad

The first time I swapped Greek yogurt for mayonnaise in a Caesar dressing, my husband actually asked what restaurant Id ordered from. That creamy tang hit different than any traditional version Id made before, and suddenly my summer salad rotation had a new star. Now whenever grill season rolls around, this lighter twist on the classic becomes a weekly regular.

Last summer my sister was visiting during one of those brutally hot July weeks where turning on the oven feels like a crime against humanity. I threw this salad together for a rooftop dinner, and between the cool crisp romaine and that tangy dressing, we barely spoke until wed wiped our plates clean. Sometimes the best meals happen when you work with what the season gives you.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless cook evenly and quickly, making them perfect for weeknight grilling without the fuss
• Greek yogurt: The secret weapon in this dressing, providing creaminess and probiotics while cutting way back on heavy oils
• Freshly grated Parmesan: Buy a wedge and grate it yourself, that pre grated stuff never melts quite right into dressings
• Romaine lettuce: Sturdy enough to hold up to the creamy dressing and grilled chicken without collapsing into sadness
• Lemon juice: Brightens the entire dish and cuts through the richness of the yogurt and cheese

Instructions

Prep your grill:

Get that grill or grill pan nice and hot over medium high heat while you gather everything else

Season the chicken:

Brush both sides with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper

Grill to perfection:

Cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side until you hit 165°F internally, then let those breasts rest for 5 minutes before slicing

Whisk up magic:

Combine Greek yogurt, Parmesan, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon, garlic, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper until smooth

Build your bowl:

Toss chopped romaine, tomatoes, and croutons with that gorgeous dressing until every leaf is coated

Bring it together:

Arrange sliced chicken on top and finish with shaved Parmesan, then serve while everything is still fresh and crisp

Save

My friend Sarah who claims to hate salad tried this at my summer potluck and went back for thirds. Thats the moment I knew this wasnt just another recipe, it was a convert maker.

Making It Your Own

Ive started playing with different add ins depending on whats languishing in my crisper drawer. Thinly sliced radishes add crunch, diced cucumber brings freshness, and even avocado works if you want to go full California. The dressing is versatile enough to handle whatever you throw at it.

Meal Prep Magic

Sunday prep has never been easier since I discovered this salad. Grill a double batch of chicken, wash and chop all the romaine, and store the dressing in a separate jar. Come Tuesday when work has beaten you down, dinner comes together in under five minutes.

Serving Up Success

Plating matters more than wed like to admit. Use a wide shallow bowl instead of a deep one, arrange the chicken strips on top rather than burying them, and finish with that extra Parmesan where people can see it. We eat with our eyes first, and something about a beautifully composed salad makes it taste better.

• Warm the leftover chicken slightly before adding it to cold salad
• Extra dressing keeps for a week and works on everything from sandwiches to roasted vegetables
• Toasted pine nuts make a gorgeous finishing touch if you are feeling fancy

Save

Heres to summer dinners that dont heat up the kitchen but still feel like a treat. Happy grilling.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store grilled chicken separately from dressed salad in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Add fresh dressing when serving to maintain crispness.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Absolutely. Shred rotisserie chicken and skip the grilling step. This reduces total time to about 15 minutes while maintaining great flavor.

→ Is the yogurt dressing tangy like traditional Caesar?

The Greek yogurt provides creaminess with slight tang, while Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce create that familiar savory Caesar profile many enjoy.

→ What protein content does this provide?

Each serving delivers approximately 36 grams of protein from the grilled chicken breast and Greek yogurt dressing, making it a substantial high-protein meal option.

→ Can this be made gluten-free?

Simply substitute traditional croutons with gluten-free alternatives or toasted nuts. Verify your Worcestershire sauce is certified gluten-free, as brands vary.

→ How can I add more vegetables?

Cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, avocado chunks, or grilled asparagus work wonderfully. Add them to the romaine base before tossing with dressing.