• Home
  • About
  • Partner with us
  • Contact
  • Blog

Fresh Hunger

a simplistic approach eating thoughtfully & living abundantly

  • Home
  • about
  • recipes
    • Afternoon tea
    • Air-Fryer
    • Appetizers
    • Asian Inspired
    • Bacon & Pork
    • Baking & Desserts
    • Beef, Lamb & Wild
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Chicken & Other Birds
    • Condiments & Dressings
    • Drinks
    • Entertaining
    • Fast & Fresh
    • Fish & Seafood
    • Grilling
    • Holidays
    • Lunch
    • Low-carb
    • Mains
    • Make-ahead & Freeze
    • Menus
    • Mexican inspired
    • Pies, Tarts & Pastries
    • Salads
    • Salmon
    • Sides & Veggies
    • Seasonal – fall & winter
    • Seasonal – spring & summer
    • Soups, Stews & Casseroles
    • Under 500 Calories
    • Vegetarian
  • Lovoni’s Lark
    • About Lovoni’s Lark
    • Adventure & travel
    • Happenings
    • Health
    • Home & garden
  • cookery help
    • how to
    • from scratch
    • pantry essentials
  • blog
  • Partner with us
  • Contact

HOMEMADE CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD

May 12, 2021 by Lovoni +

655views
Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Of all the salads I could eat, this one is probably the most calorific. Yet I have a story…several years ago when I was living in Minnesota working for a Fortune 300 company, my husband retired and with me cooking all day, he decided he was going to make dinner during the week. Who was I to complain? I’d recently showed him how I make a Homemade Chicken Caesar Salad and, in true American form, he loved it. He proceeded to make different versions of it – bacon wrapped shrimp, steak, chicken and plain, every night for our dinner for the next few months. I’m not exagerating. Now I’d been trying (still trying) to lose weight so a Caesar salad might not seem the wisest choice but over the coming months I did lose weight, about 20 pounds. Needless to say I developed a fondness for this salad. And, although I’m sure the world doesn’t need another Caesar salad recipe, it’s getting one because here is mine…

Jump to Recipe
HOMEMADE CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD
  • HOMEMADE CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD
  • HOMEMADE CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD

A good Caesar salad starts with good ingredients of which, there are only few (if you count the dressing as one ingredient). Firstly, the lettuce has to be fresh and it needs to be soaked in iced water for awhile. Sometimes for me this is several hours, other times it’s just while I get the rest of the ingredients prepared. The cheese needs to be true Parmigiana Reggiano; most stores sell it and if they don’t do as I just did and order it online. The bacon needs to be smoked and cooked until it’s crispy. And traditionalists, I don’t care if authentic Caesar salad doesn’t or didn’t contain bacon – it goes in mine. The croutons can’t be those hard cubes from a packet that make my brain rattle, they need to be homemade. And the dressing – the final flourish – has to be made from scratch; bottled dressing has a place but I’m going to be bossy and say, its place isn’t here, in this salad.

HOMEMADE CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD
HOMEMADE CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD

Now I understand there are anchovyphobes as there are anchovy lovers, I’m the latter. The anchovies or anchovy paste, which ever you choose to use, does not give the dressing a fishy taste but instead a depth of flavor that few ingredients, aside from fish sauce, Vegemite, marmite and dried mushrooms, can add to a recipe. Although please don’t try adding Vegemite to this! You will address adding them or not as to how you see fit, but please don’t let a tiny little fish dissuade you from creating a Homemade Chicken Caesar Salad. Piled with some grilled chicken or steak is my favorite way to eat it but, my husband’s version of bacon-wrapped shrimp jockeys for first place occasionally. Toodles for now, Lovoni xo

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
5 from 1 vote

HOMEMADE CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD

There’s no comparison between a homemade Caesar salad and one using ready-made ingredients. This is the only way I like to eat this salad – made from scratch. Please note: the salad dressing contains a raw egg yolk. This gives the dressing a beautifully creamy texture. You can’t taste the egg – you’d not know it was in the dressing but it does make a difference to the end results. Use the freshest egg you can. If you can’t stand the thought of a raw egg yolk then boil the egg for 2 minutes, cut the egg in half and let the yolk spill out into the blender with the rest of the ingredients. If due to a medical condition and you can’t eat raw eggs – pregnant women and such, you’ll know this and I’m sure will avoid it.
Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Total Time35 mins
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Servings: 3
Calories: 762kcal
Author: Lovoni

Ingredients

US Customary – Metric
  • 2 romaine lettuce hearts, trimmed of the stem end or use 1 medium-size romaine lettuce, torn (cos lettuce)
  • 6 strips bacon
  • 2 to 3 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
  • 2 teaspoons sunflower or canola oil, plus 1 tablespoon extra
  • A generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups cubed rustic bread, such as sour dough or ciabatta
  • 1 garlic clove, halved
  • 1/3 cup shaved parmesan
CAESAR DRESSING
  • 1/3 cup sunflower or canola oil
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste or 2 anchovy fillets, optional
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • Pinch of sugar
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 2/3 cup finely grated parmesan

Instructions

To make the dressing:

  • Place all ingredients into a small blender (I use the small container of my Ninja blender. A stick blender also works but a blender gives a silky, voluminous texture to the dressing).
  • Soak the torn lettuce in a large bowl of cold water until you’re ready to assemble the salad. Make sure to drain the lettuce well in a salad spinner or draining the lettuce and using paper towels or a tea towel to absorb the remaining water.
  • Cook the bacon according to directions on the packet. I like to use the air-fryer: 4 strips (or 8 for a full-size drawer) 10 to 12 minutes on 400°F (200°C). Cut each strip of bacon into 3 to 4 pieces; set aside.
  • Heat a grill or a griddle pan to medium. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken, 2 teaspoons of oil, salt and pepper together. Cook the chicken for about 7 minutes, turn and cook a further 5 minutes or until thoroughly cooked. Remove from the pan and allow to cool slightly while you finish assemble the salad.
  • Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic clove and cubed bread. Cook, for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bread is golden-brown and crispy. Remove the croutons to a plate; discard the garlic.
  • Whether you’re making one big salad or individual salads: add the lettuce to a serving bowl (or bowls), arrange the chicken over the lettuce. Top with bacon. Drizzle with the dressing. Sprinkle with croutons and drizzle with more dressing before topping with shaved parmesan.

Nutrition

Calories: 762kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 60g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 195mg | Sodium: 1137mg | Potassium: 461mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 2031IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 450mg | Iron: 3mg
share this
Share on Facebook
Facebook
Pin on Pinterest
Pinterest
Tweet about this on Twitter
Twitter
Share on Yummly
Yummly
Share on Tumblr
Tumblr
Email this to someone
email
Print this page
Print

You may also like

  • Thai Chicken, Cashew & Mango Lettuce Wraps
    Appetizers
    Thai Chicken, Cashew & Mango Lettuce Wraps
    Thai Chicken, Cashew & Mango Lettuce Wraps with perfectly grilled, succulent...
  • mediterranean grilled chicken salad
    Chicken & Other Birds
    mediterranean grilled chicken salad
    Marinate chicken breasts in lemon juice & zest, lots of garlic & fresh h...
  • CRUNCHY SRIRACHA PEANUT CHICKEN SALAD
    Chicken & Other Birds
    CRUNCHY SRIRACHA PEANUT CHICKEN SALAD
    It doesn't have to be summer to enjoy a salad; any time of year is good for sala...
  • spinach & chicken chopped salad
    Bacon & Pork
    spinach & chicken chopped salad
    Spinach & Chicken Chopped Salad is a paean to spring & a salute to winte...
  • CHICKEN SOUVLAKI SALAD WITH SPICY CHICKPEAS
    Chicken & Other Birds
    CHICKEN SOUVLAKI SALAD WITH SPICY CHICKPEAS
    Chicken Souvlaki Salad with Spicy Chickpeas - long name, seemingly long ingredie...
  • Crispy Kale, Pea & Asparagus Caesar Salad
    Appetizers
    Crispy Kale, Pea & Asparagus Caesar Salad
    Time for a fresh & bright salad with loaded with flavor - enter Crispy Kale,...

Filed Under: Chicken & Other Birds, featured, Salads Tagged With: Caesar salad, homemade caesar dressing, homemade croutons

hello there...

I'm Lovoni - an Aussie living abroad for the last 21 years. Working in food media, I'm a cookbook author; food stylist; cookery teacher & I had a TV food show when I lived in Canada. As a certified nutritionist I believe in nourishment not punishment & love pastry, good wine & afternoon teas. Full of wanderlust, I'm always on the lookout for my next adventure...

Read more...

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
Subscribe!

for recipes & tips on eating thoughtfully & living abundantly


Archives

And then there was none. My sis & I lost our fathe And then there was none. My sis & I lost our father, my niece her Pa, quite suddenly on August 1st. Almost four months after the death of our mum John decided it was time to join her. The heartache feels unbearable. John was a true gourmand - a fierce cook. He introduced us to spicy Indian curries, Southeast Asian cuisines, the tastes of Morocco, Chinese delicacies, Greek food & so many other cuisines opening up a world filled with flavour to our young palates. 
Keeper of secrets; fiercely loyal to his family & those he held dear & the most trustworthy person you’d ever meet. I know he’s somewhere better, free from pain & he’s with mum. He’s enjoying a beer, an old red wine to wash down the curry. Then a bowl of ice cream - a big bowl because why not. He’ll smile his wide grin & his bright blue eyes will light up. He could be a grumpy bugger at times but we even loved that side of him. Every time I pick up a knife to start another recipe John, you’ll be there with me. Thank you for marrying our mum & choosing us as your daughters. I hope you know how much you were loved & what a huge impact you had on our lives. You’ll be missed more than you could imagine xo. 

.
.
.
.
#father #heartbroken #deathofaparent #lovoni #freshhunger #lovonis_lark #grief
Peach Bruschetta - a perfect summer appt. Recipe l Peach Bruschetta - a perfect summer appt.
Recipe link: https://freshhunger.com/2022/07/25/peach-bruschetta/
.
.
.
.
.
#peaches #thepeachtruck @thepeachtruck #foodstyling #foodstylingandphotography #peachrecipes #nutrition #nutritionist #goodforyou #summer2022 #recipedeveloper #eatrealfood #plantbased #lovoni
Broccoli Bacon Salad: easy AF to make & loaded wit Broccoli Bacon Salad: easy AF to make & loaded with all the right flavours & texture combos, regardless of the time of year, you’ll want to make this salad over & over. You’re going to have to trust me on this one. It’s very good. Lots of nuts & seeds, crispy bacon & dried cranberries tossed in the most delicious sweet mustard vinaigrette. I’m not a leftovers fan but this is even good the next day. Head to freshhunger.com for the recipe. L xo
.
.
.
.
.
.
#broccoli #broccolisalad #freshhunger #lovoni #summerfood #foodstylist #cookbookauthor #goodforyoufood #nutritionistapproved #wholesome
Each day the veggie garden gives forth its bounty. Each day the veggie garden gives forth its bounty. Today was a quick harvest. I need to hurry up & shake this Covid beast so I can throw myself back into some enjoyable cooking again. 
My horrible trip to France was cut short - thank god but left me with Covid. The fucking cherry on top of what was a low point on my radar. I can hardly believe it happened but one dusts off, moves on & let’s those who like to bring others down fall by the wayside. 
Onwards & upwards. Here’s to a busy rest of the month filled with work I’m passionate about. And a garden that’s flourishing. Gorgeous board from @figsandfetaau 
#growyourownfood #harvest #lovonis_lark #freshhunger #zucchinirecipes #zucchini #homegrownveggies #lovoni #foodstylist #foodstyling #grey #neautrals #rusticstyle
Such pretty little quail’s eggs. I’m working a Such pretty little quail’s eggs. I’m working at home all week testing recipes for a cookbook (sadly not another one of mine just yet) & one of the recipes requires quail eggs. I think I’d rather admire them than cook them but needs, must…
#textures #quaileggs #eggs #monotone #monotoneinterior #greys #greige #greigestyle #recipewriter #foodstylist #foodstyling #lovoni #freshhunger #recipetesting #lovonis_lark
Heading back to My homeland today for mum’s fune Heading back to My homeland today for mum’s funeral. Sadly mum passed away on Wednesday & the world suddenly became less joyful, less stylish & definitely less clean & tidy. Gardens are now less pretty & food not as tasty for mum was both a fabulous cook & had the most beautiful garden. Most of you who might take the time to read this never had the honour of meeting my mum but if you had met her, she would be your friend & confidant for life. She played both mum & dad to my sis & I after our father left but we never seemed to want for anything. She was a shining star who always encouraged me to follow my dreams, even when it meant me moving halfway around the world. That just made us closer. She will be missed by those who love her ♥️
Here are some random pics: the first is mum & I in a tiny church in Drummheller, Alberta, Canada. There is one of mum in her bikini drinking a scotch at Palm Beach in Sydney (snarky me on the left in that pic). The last one is mum as a bridesmaid holding my sister. There’s one with my niece when she was little. I love the one where mum has decorated herself in daisy chains. Good memories. 
.
.
.
.
#freshhunger #lovoni #lovonis_lark #mum #mumslife #missmymum #bestmum #bestmumever
And then there was none. My sis & I lost our fathe And then there was none. My sis & I lost our father, my niece her Pa, quite suddenly on August 1st. Almost four months after the death of our mum John decided it was time to join her. The heartache feels unbearable. John was a true gourmand - a fierce cook. He introduced us to spicy Indian curries, Southeast Asian cuisines, the tastes of Morocco, Chinese delicacies, Greek food & so many other cuisines opening up a world filled with flavour to our young palates. 
Keeper of secrets; fiercely loyal to his family & those he held dear & the most trustworthy person you’d ever meet. I know he’s somewhere better, free from pain & he’s with mum. He’s enjoying a beer, an old red wine to wash down the curry. Then a bowl of ice cream - a big bowl because why not. He’ll smile his wide grin & his bright blue eyes will light up. He could be a grumpy bugger at times but we even loved that side of him. Every time I pick up a knife to start another recipe John, you’ll be there with me. Thank you for marrying our mum & choosing us as your daughters. I hope you know how much you were loved & what a huge impact you had on our lives. You’ll be missed more than you could imagine xo. 

.
.
.
.
#father #heartbroken #deathofaparent #lovoni #freshhunger #lovonis_lark #grief
Peach Bruschetta - a perfect summer appt. Recipe l Peach Bruschetta - a perfect summer appt.
Recipe link: https://freshhunger.com/2022/07/25/peach-bruschetta/
.
.
.
.
.
#peaches #thepeachtruck @thepeachtruck #foodstyling #foodstylingandphotography #peachrecipes #nutrition #nutritionist #goodforyou #summer2022 #recipedeveloper #eatrealfood #plantbased #lovoni
Broccoli Bacon Salad: easy AF to make & loaded wit Broccoli Bacon Salad: easy AF to make & loaded with all the right flavours & texture combos, regardless of the time of year, you’ll want to make this salad over & over. You’re going to have to trust me on this one. It’s very good. Lots of nuts & seeds, crispy bacon & dried cranberries tossed in the most delicious sweet mustard vinaigrette. I’m not a leftovers fan but this is even good the next day. Head to freshhunger.com for the recipe. L xo
.
.
.
.
.
.
#broccoli #broccolisalad #freshhunger #lovoni #summerfood #foodstylist #cookbookauthor #goodforyoufood #nutritionistapproved #wholesome
Each day the veggie garden gives forth its bounty. Each day the veggie garden gives forth its bounty. Today was a quick harvest. I need to hurry up & shake this Covid beast so I can throw myself back into some enjoyable cooking again. 
My horrible trip to France was cut short - thank god but left me with Covid. The fucking cherry on top of what was a low point on my radar. I can hardly believe it happened but one dusts off, moves on & let’s those who like to bring others down fall by the wayside. 
Onwards & upwards. Here’s to a busy rest of the month filled with work I’m passionate about. And a garden that’s flourishing. Gorgeous board from @figsandfetaau 
#growyourownfood #harvest #lovonis_lark #freshhunger #zucchinirecipes #zucchini #homegrownveggies #lovoni #foodstylist #foodstyling #grey #neautrals #rusticstyle
Such pretty little quail’s eggs. I’m working a Such pretty little quail’s eggs. I’m working at home all week testing recipes for a cookbook (sadly not another one of mine just yet) & one of the recipes requires quail eggs. I think I’d rather admire them than cook them but needs, must…
#textures #quaileggs #eggs #monotone #monotoneinterior #greys #greige #greigestyle #recipewriter #foodstylist #foodstyling #lovoni #freshhunger #recipetesting #lovonis_lark
Heading back to My homeland today for mum’s fune Heading back to My homeland today for mum’s funeral. Sadly mum passed away on Wednesday & the world suddenly became less joyful, less stylish & definitely less clean & tidy. Gardens are now less pretty & food not as tasty for mum was both a fabulous cook & had the most beautiful garden. Most of you who might take the time to read this never had the honour of meeting my mum but if you had met her, she would be your friend & confidant for life. She played both mum & dad to my sis & I after our father left but we never seemed to want for anything. She was a shining star who always encouraged me to follow my dreams, even when it meant me moving halfway around the world. That just made us closer. She will be missed by those who love her ♥️
Here are some random pics: the first is mum & I in a tiny church in Drummheller, Alberta, Canada. There is one of mum in her bikini drinking a scotch at Palm Beach in Sydney (snarky me on the left in that pic). The last one is mum as a bridesmaid holding my sister. There’s one with my niece when she was little. I love the one where mum has decorated herself in daisy chains. Good memories. 
.
.
.
.
#freshhunger #lovoni #lovonis_lark #mum #mumslife #missmymum #bestmum #bestmumever
And then there was none. My sis & I lost our fathe And then there was none. My sis & I lost our father, my niece her Pa, quite suddenly on August 1st. Almost four months after the death of our mum John decided it was time to join her. The heartache feels unbearable. John was a true gourmand - a fierce cook. He introduced us to spicy Indian curries, Southeast Asian cuisines, the tastes of Morocco, Chinese delicacies, Greek food & so many other cuisines opening up a world filled with flavour to our young palates. 
Keeper of secrets; fiercely loyal to his family & those he held dear & the most trustworthy person you’d ever meet. I know he’s somewhere better, free from pain & he’s with mum. He’s enjoying a beer, an old red wine to wash down the curry. Then a bowl of ice cream - a big bowl because why not. He’ll smile his wide grin & his bright blue eyes will light up. He could be a grumpy bugger at times but we even loved that side of him. Every time I pick up a knife to start another recipe John, you’ll be there with me. Thank you for marrying our mum & choosing us as your daughters. I hope you know how much you were loved & what a huge impact you had on our lives. You’ll be missed more than you could imagine xo. 

.
.
.
.
#father #heartbroken #deathofaparent #lovoni #freshhunger #lovonis_lark #grief
Peach Bruschetta - a perfect summer appt. Recipe l Peach Bruschetta - a perfect summer appt.
Recipe link: https://freshhunger.com/2022/07/25/peach-bruschetta/
.
.
.
.
.
#peaches #thepeachtruck @thepeachtruck #foodstyling #foodstylingandphotography #peachrecipes #nutrition #nutritionist #goodforyou #summer2022 #recipedeveloper #eatrealfood #plantbased #lovoni
Broccoli Bacon Salad: easy AF to make & loaded wit Broccoli Bacon Salad: easy AF to make & loaded with all the right flavours & texture combos, regardless of the time of year, you’ll want to make this salad over & over. You’re going to have to trust me on this one. It’s very good. Lots of nuts & seeds, crispy bacon & dried cranberries tossed in the most delicious sweet mustard vinaigrette. I’m not a leftovers fan but this is even good the next day. Head to freshhunger.com for the recipe. L xo
.
.
.
.
.
.
#broccoli #broccolisalad #freshhunger #lovoni #summerfood #foodstylist #cookbookauthor #goodforyoufood #nutritionistapproved #wholesome
Each day the veggie garden gives forth its bounty. Each day the veggie garden gives forth its bounty. Today was a quick harvest. I need to hurry up & shake this Covid beast so I can throw myself back into some enjoyable cooking again. 
My horrible trip to France was cut short - thank god but left me with Covid. The fucking cherry on top of what was a low point on my radar. I can hardly believe it happened but one dusts off, moves on & let’s those who like to bring others down fall by the wayside. 
Onwards & upwards. Here’s to a busy rest of the month filled with work I’m passionate about. And a garden that’s flourishing. Gorgeous board from @figsandfetaau 
#growyourownfood #harvest #lovonis_lark #freshhunger #zucchinirecipes #zucchini #homegrownveggies #lovoni #foodstylist #foodstyling #grey #neautrals #rusticstyle
Such pretty little quail’s eggs. I’m working a Such pretty little quail’s eggs. I’m working at home all week testing recipes for a cookbook (sadly not another one of mine just yet) & one of the recipes requires quail eggs. I think I’d rather admire them than cook them but needs, must…
#textures #quaileggs #eggs #monotone #monotoneinterior #greys #greige #greigestyle #recipewriter #foodstylist #foodstyling #lovoni #freshhunger #recipetesting #lovonis_lark
Heading back to My homeland today for mum’s fune Heading back to My homeland today for mum’s funeral. Sadly mum passed away on Wednesday & the world suddenly became less joyful, less stylish & definitely less clean & tidy. Gardens are now less pretty & food not as tasty for mum was both a fabulous cook & had the most beautiful garden. Most of you who might take the time to read this never had the honour of meeting my mum but if you had met her, she would be your friend & confidant for life. She played both mum & dad to my sis & I after our father left but we never seemed to want for anything. She was a shining star who always encouraged me to follow my dreams, even when it meant me moving halfway around the world. That just made us closer. She will be missed by those who love her ♥️
Here are some random pics: the first is mum & I in a tiny church in Drummheller, Alberta, Canada. There is one of mum in her bikini drinking a scotch at Palm Beach in Sydney (snarky me on the left in that pic). The last one is mum as a bridesmaid holding my sister. There’s one with my niece when she was little. I love the one where mum has decorated herself in daisy chains. Good memories. 
.
.
.
.
#freshhunger #lovoni #lovonis_lark #mum #mumslife #missmymum #bestmum #bestmumever

Copyright © 2022 · Fresh Hunger · Designer Blogs