Nothing says “I love you” like a homemade meal, especially when it’s packed with flavor, low in carbs, and perfect for two. If you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day and want something light but still satisfying, this Keto Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is a winner. It’s got juicy grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy parmesan crisps, and a creamy Caesar dressing that’s better than anything from a bottle. And the best part? It’s keto-friendly, so you can enjoy it without the guilt.
Why This Salad Works for Valentine’s Day
- It’s fancy but easy – Looks like restaurant food, but anyone can make it.
- It’s light but filling – No post-dinner bloat, just pure satisfaction.
- Keto-friendly – Perfect if you and your partner are watching carbs.
- Great for sharing – One big salad, two forks, and maybe a little romance.
Let’s get to the good part—the recipe.
What You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Juice of half a lemon
For the Salad:
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup shaved or grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup homemade or store-bought Parmesan crisps, crumbled
- ½ cup crispy bacon bits (optional but highly recommended)
For the Caesar Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 anchovy fillets, minced (or 1 teaspoon anchovy paste)
How to Make It
Step 1: Marinate and Grill the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. In a bowl, mix olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and lemon juice. Rub this all over the chicken and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. If you have time, marinate it for an hour—flavor gets better with time.
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Step 2: Make the Caesar Dressing
While the chicken is grilling, whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and anchovy paste in a bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If it’s too thick, add a little water to thin it out.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, toss chopped romaine lettuce with half of the dressing. Add in Parmesan cheese, bacon bits, and crumbled Parmesan crisps. Toss again lightly.
Step 4: Slice the Chicken and Serve
Slice the grilled chicken into strips and place on top of the salad. Drizzle with the remaining dressing and sprinkle with extra Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Best Caesar Salad
- Use fresh Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt or taste as good.
- Grill for flavor – That char on the chicken makes all the difference.
- Chill your lettuce – Crisp lettuce makes a salad feel fresher.
- Homemade dressing > store-bought – Once you make this dressing, you’ll never go back.
Making It Extra Special for Valentine’s Day
Want to add a little extra romance to the meal? Here are some fun ideas:
- Heart-shaped Parmesan crisps – Just shape them before baking.
- Serve with keto wine – Dry red or white wine pairs beautifully.
- Candlelight dinner – Simple but always a mood booster.
- Chocolate-covered strawberries for dessert – Still keto if you use dark chocolate!
How to Store Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (unlikely!), store the salad and dressing separately. The lettuce will go soggy if you leave it dressed overnight. Keep everything in airtight containers in the fridge for up to two days.
Final Thoughts
This Keto Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is proof that healthy food can be just as delicious as anything carb-heavy. Whether you’re making it for Valentine’s Day or just a regular weeknight dinner, it’s an easy way to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
So grab your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready for a meal that’s fresh, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️
PrintKeto Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe
This Keto Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad is packed with juicy grilled chicken, crispy romaine lettuce, parmesan crisps, and a creamy homemade dressing. A delicious low-carb meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner. It’s easy to make and full of flavor!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Salad, Lunch
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American, Keto, Low-Carb
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Juice of half a lemon
For the Salad:
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup shaved or grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup homemade or store-bought Parmesan crisps, crumbled
- ½ cup crispy bacon bits (optional)
For the Caesar Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 anchovy fillets, minced (or 1 teaspoon anchovy paste)
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
Pat chicken breasts dry. In a bowl, mix olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and lemon juice. Coat the chicken and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (longer is better).
Grill the Chicken:
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let it rest, then slice.
Make the Caesar Dressing:
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and anchovy paste. If too thick, add a little water.
Assemble the Salad:
Toss chopped romaine lettuce with half the dressing. Add Parmesan cheese, bacon bits, and crumbled Parmesan crisps. Toss again lightly.
Top and Serve:
Place sliced grilled chicken on top. Drizzle with the remaining dressing and sprinkle extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra crisp lettuce, chill it in ice water before using.
- If you don’t like anchovies, skip them or use a little extra Worcestershire sauce.
- You can bake or air-fry the chicken if you don’t have a grill.
Please note: The recipe or ingredients shown in the video might vary slightly from what’s listed here. Use the video as an illustration, but for the best results, you might want to stick to the recipe provided in this article.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 Sugar: 1g Sodium: 980mg Fat: 38g Saturated Fat: 10g Unsaturated Fat: 26g Trans Fat: 0g Carbohydrates: 5g Fiber: 2g Protein: 42g Cholesterol: 120mg