Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken from Pollo Tropical features tender, smoky grilled chicken atop crisp romaine lettuce, tossed with creamy Caesar dressing, crunchy croutons, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, delivering a refreshing and savory meal packed with texture and flavor.
Equipments
- Grill
- Tongs
- Salad bowl
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Grater (for Parmesan cheese)
- Mixing spoon or salad tongs
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Serving plates or bowls
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 cups romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1 cup croutons
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Ensure your chicken breasts are evenly coated with olive oil and seasonings like salt, black pepper, and garlic powder for balanced flavor and optimal grilling results. Use fresh, crisp romaine lettuce as the base to maintain the salad's refreshing texture. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese significantly enhances the dish's authentic savory profile compared to pre-grated options. Measure the Caesar dressing carefully to avoid overpowering the salad, maintaining a creamy yet light coating. Your Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken from Pollo Tropical copycat menu will achieve the perfect blend of smoky, crunchy, and savory elements when these ingredient details are followed precisely.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush chicken breasts with olive oil.
- Season chicken with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
- Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice grilled chicken into strips.
- Wash and chop romaine lettuce.
- Place romaine lettuce in a large salad bowl.
- Add Caesar dressing; toss lettuce to coat evenly.
- Add croutons and most of the grated Parmesan cheese; toss gently.
- Divide salad among serving plates or bowls.
- Top salads with sliced grilled chicken.
- Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese over top.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken from Pollo Tropical copycat recipe combines smoky grilled chicken and crisp romaine with creamy Caesar dressing and Parmesan for a balanced, flavorful meal. You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier option or use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time. If fresh Parmesan is unavailable, grated Pecorino Romano can offer a similar sharp, salty taste. Romaine lettuce can be replaced with kale or mixed greens for added nutrients and texture variety. When preparing, avoid overcooking the chicken to maintain tenderness and use tongs to ensure even mixing without bruising the lettuce.
Tips
Ensure the grill is properly preheated to medium-high heat before placing the chicken to achieve a nice sear and prevent sticking. Resting the grilled chicken for 5 minutes allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy. Toss the romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing just before serving to maintain its crisp texture and avoid sogginess. Your freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds authentic flavor, so grate it yourself rather than using pre-shredded varieties.
Nutritions
Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken from Pollo Tropical offers a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, with each serving providing approximately 350-400 calories. The grilled chicken supplies about 30 grams of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety. Romaine lettuce contributes dietary fiber and vitamins A and K while the Caesar dressing adds richness through fats, mainly from olive oil, which supports heart health. Crunchy croutons and Parmesan cheese enhance texture and flavor, though they also increase sodium and calorie content, so you may want to adjust portions to fit your nutritional goals.
Storage
To keep your Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken fresh, store the grilled chicken separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce, dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese each in separate containers to avoid sogginess, and assemble just before serving to maintain texture and flavor. Ensure your chicken is fully cooled before refrigeration to prevent condensation, which can affect the salad's freshness.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute grilled chicken breasts with grilled shrimp or salmon for a seafood twist that pairs well with creamy Caesar dressing. Use kale or mixed greens instead of romaine for added color and nutrients, enhancing the salad's texture. Swap store-bought Caesar dressing for a homemade version made with anchovies, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard to intensify flavor. Consider toasting the croutons with garlic and herbs to boost the salad's savory crunch.
Allergies
Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken contains multiple common allergens including dairy from the Parmesan cheese and Caesar dressing, gluten from the croutons, and potential egg ingredients in the dressing. Individuals with allergies to milk, wheat, or eggs should exercise caution when ordering or consuming this dish. You can request modifications, such as omitting croutons or choosing a dairy-free dressing, to better suit your dietary needs.
Why this recipe?
The Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken from Pollo Tropical is loved for its fresh, crisp romaine lettuce, perfectly grilled chicken breast, and authentic Caesar dressing made with real parmesan cheese and anchovies. The combination of smoky grilled flavors and creamy dressing delivers a balanced taste that appeals to health-conscious diners seeking protein-packed meals. You can replicate this popular menu item at home to enjoy a nutritious and flavorful salad, while controlling ingredient quality and portion sizes. Making the copycat version allows you to savor Pollo Tropical's signature taste without leaving your kitchen.