Caesar Salad with a Difference

The classic Caesar salad is a staple in many kitchens, celebrated for its crisp lettuce, rich dressing, and savoury Parmesan cheese. However, if you’re looking to add a bit more substance and texture to this timeless dish, consider introducing pan-fried chicken breasts and roasted peanuts into the mix. This combination not only enhances the salad’s flavour but also transforms it into a more satisfying and complete meal.

A New Twist on a Classic Favourite

Adding pan-fried chicken to your Caesar salad is a simple yet effective way to make the dish more filling. The tender, juicy chicken breasts complement the crispness of the lettuce and the crunch of the croutons, creating a harmonious balance of textures. When cooked just right, the chicken’s golden-brown exterior provides a delicious contrast to the creamy Caesar dressing.

But the real game-changer here is the addition of roasted peanuts. While it might seem unconventional at first, peanuts bring an unexpected layer of flavour to the salad. Their slight nuttiness and crunch enhance the overall texture, making each bite more interesting and enjoyable. Peanuts also add a boost of protein and healthy fats, making this Caesar salad a more nourishing option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Why Pan-Fried Chicken?

Pan-frying the chicken is the perfect method to achieve a crispy outside while keeping the inside tender and moist. This technique allows the chicken to develop a rich, savoury flavour that pairs beautifully with the tangy Caesar dressing. The warm chicken, when combined with the cold, crisp lettuce, creates a delightful contrast that elevates the eating experience.

The Perfect Balance of Flavours

What makes this Caesar salad variation truly special is the balance of flavours. The sharpness of the Parmesan cheese, the tanginess of the Caesar dressing, and the subtle sweetness of the peanuts come together to create a well-rounded dish. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, ensuring that no single flavour overpowers the others. Instead, they work in harmony to provide a satisfying and delicious meal.

Ideal for Any Occasion

This Caesar salad with pan-fried chicken and peanuts is versatile enough to be served at any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a light lunch, a side dish for a dinner party, or even a quick weeknight dinner, this salad is sure to impress. Its simplicity is its strength – easy to prepare yet packed with flavour, it’s a dish that you’ll find yourself coming back to time and again.

A Caesar Salad with a Difference

Incorporating pan-fried chicken and peanuts into your Caesar salad is a great way to add variety to your meals without straying too far from familiar flavours. This dish offers a perfect balance of taste, texture, and nutrition, making it a must-try for anyone looking to refresh their salad repertoire. So next time you’re in the mood for Caesar salad, why not give this version a go? Your taste buds will thank you.

Caesar Salad with a Difference

This Caesar salad elevates the classic recipe with tender pan-fried chicken breasts and roasted peanuts, adding both flavour and texture to the dish. Paired with a rich, homemade Caesar sauce, this salad offers a satisfying and nutritious meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

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Course: Main Dish, Salad

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: Chicken, Nuts, Salad, Sauce

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 People

Calories: 621kcal

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Ingredients

 

MetricImperial

Salad:

• 2 large chicken breasts skinless
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 head romaine lettuce chopped
• 1 cup croutons
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
• 1/4 cup roasted almonds chopped
• 4 medium anchovy fillets chopped
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese shaved
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste
• 1 large lemon wedged

Caesar Sauce:

• 1 large egg yolk room temperature
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste

Instructions

• Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  2 large chicken breasts, salt, pepper
• Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
  2 tbsp olive oil
• Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through.
• Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
• In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and lemon juice until smooth.
  1 large egg yolk, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 clove garlic, 2 tbsp lemon juice
• Add the minced anchovy fillets and continue whisking.
  4 medium anchovy fillets
• Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to create a thick, creamy emulsion.
  ½ cup olive oil
• Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper
• In a large salad bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce.
  1 head romaine lettuce
• Toss in the croutons, chopped roasted almonds and peanuts, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
  1/4 cup roasted peanuts, 1/4 cup roasted almonds, 1 cup croutons
• Pour the homemade Caesar sauce over the salad and toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
• Arrange the sliced chicken breasts on top of the salad.
• Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the salad.
  ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
• Serve immediately, optionally garnished with lemon wedges for a fresh, citrusy finish.
  1 large lemon
• Enjoy this richly flavoured salad as a main course or a substantial side dish.

Notes

Notes:
The inclusion of almonds adds a delightful crunch, while the anchovies provide a depth of umami that complements the creamy Caesar sauce. This variation on the traditional Caesar salad is perfect for those who appreciate bold, layered flavours.

Nutrition

Calories: 621kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 47g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 29g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 129mg | Sodium: 496mg | Potassium: 990mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 13836IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 245mg | Iron: 3mg