Chicken Caesar Salad from Ruby Tuesday features tender grilled chicken breast atop crisp romaine lettuce, tossed with creamy Caesar dressing, crunchy croutons, and freshly shaved Parmesan cheese, offering a refreshing and savory classic.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Salad tongs
- Cheese grater or vegetable peeler
- Measuring cups/spoons
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 1 large head romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1 cup croutons
- 1/3 cup freshly shaved Parmesan cheese
Ensure your chicken breasts are boneless and skinless for even grilling and optimal tenderness. Fresh romaine lettuce is key to achieving the salad's signature crisp texture, so rinse and dry it thoroughly before tossing. Use high-quality Parmesan cheese, preferably freshly shaved, to enhance the authentic flavor profile of the dish. Measuring your Caesar dressing and croutons accurately helps maintain the perfect balance between creamy and crunchy elements. Your Chicken Caesar Salad copycat menu will closely replicate Ruby Tuesday's delicious classic by following these ingredient tips.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear.
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes; then slice into strips.
- Rinse, dry, and chop romaine lettuce; transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Add Caesar dressing to lettuce and toss until evenly coated.
- Add croutons and gently toss again.
- Divide salad among serving plates.
- Top each salad with grilled chicken slices.
- Sprinkle freshly shaved Parmesan cheese over each portion.
- Serve immediately with salad tongs.
Substitution
Chicken Caesar Salad from Ruby Tuesday copycat menu can be easily customized based on ingredient availability and dietary preferences. If fresh Parmesan cheese is unavailable, pre-grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano can be used as a flavorful substitute. Should you lack a grill or grill pan, baking or pan-searing the chicken breasts with olive oil and seasoning will still yield tender results. For a lighter version, you can replace Caesar dressing with a Greek yogurt-based dressing or vinaigrette according to your taste. Your choice of croutons can vary from store-bought options to homemade toasted bread cubes for added freshness and crunch.
Tips
Make sure your grill or grill pan is preheated to medium-high before placing the chicken to ensure a proper sear and avoid sticking. Always let the grilled chicken rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking to retain juices and enhance flavor. When tossing the romaine with Caesar dressing, use salad tongs to coat the lettuce evenly without bruising the leaves. You can grate fresh Parmesan cheese using a vegetable peeler for thin, delicate shreds that add a richer taste and better texture to your salad.
Nutritions
Chicken Caesar Salad from Ruby Tuesday delivers a balanced combination of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. The grilled chicken breast provides approximately 43 grams of lean protein per serving, essential for muscle repair and satiety. Romaine lettuce is low in calories but rich in vitamins A, K, and folate, contributing to your daily nutrient intake. Parmesan cheese and Caesar dressing add calcium and healthy fats, while croutons provide a crunchy texture with a source of carbohydrates.
Storage
Store leftover Chicken Caesar Salad by keeping the grilled chicken strips in an airtight container and refrigerating them separately to maintain texture and flavor. Wrap the romaine lettuce lightly in paper towels and place it in a sealed container or plastic bag to prevent wilting. Keep the Caesar dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese stored separately at cool temperatures for optimal freshness before combining them with your salad when ready to serve.
Variation or Alternatives
You can switch the grilled chicken breast for grilled shrimp or tofu to create a pescatarian or vegetarian version of the Chicken Caesar Salad. Swap out traditional Caesar dressing for a lighter Greek yogurt-based dressing to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess. Incorporate shaved Pecorino Romano cheese instead of Parmesan for a saltier, tangier flavor profile. For extra crunch, consider adding toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds in place of croutons.
Allergies
Chicken Caesar Salad from Ruby Tuesday contains common allergens such as dairy in the Parmesan cheese and Caesar dressing, gluten in the croutons, and potential egg in the dressing. Your sensitivity to these ingredients should be considered to avoid allergic reactions. If you have allergies to any of these components, request ingredient details or substitutions before ordering.
Why this recipe?
The Chicken Caesar Salad at Ruby Tuesday is popular for its fresh, crisp romaine lettuce, tender grilled chicken breast, and authentic Caesar dressing balanced with Parmesan cheese and crunchy croutons. This combination offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that appeals to health-conscious diners seeking a nutritious yet flavorful meal. Your attempt to make a copycat version is worth it because it allows you to customize ingredients, control freshness, and recreate the restaurant-quality taste in the comfort of your home. Replicating this salad ensures you enjoy a high-quality, delicious dish tailored to your preferences.