Description
A reimagined Chicken Caesar Salad with crusty croutons and a rich, pork-free dressing. Juicy free-range chicken, nutty walnuts, and avocado provide a hearty, protein-packed meal that avoids traditional Caesar elements like anchovy paste and bacon. Uses high-oleic sunflower oil and nutritional yeast for umami depth.
Ingredients
4 (6 oz each) Free-range, skinless chicken breasts
1 day-old loaf French bread
4 cloves Minced fresh garlic
1/2 cup (120 g) Finely chopped walnuts
1 large (300 g) Peeled, pitted, and cubed avocado
4 cups Chopped Romaine lettuce
1/4 cup (60 ml) High-oleic sunflower oil
2 tablespoons (12 g) Nutritional yeast
1 large Egg yolk
1/4 cup (56 g) Mayonnaise
2 tablespoons (30 ml) Lemon juice
1 teaspoon (5 ml) Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon (5 g) Fresh thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
Cube day-old French bread and toss with 1 1/2 tablespoon olive oil (from 1/2 cup oil total), minced garlic, and thyme. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden
Meanwhile, season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, lemon zest, 2 cloves garlic, and paprika. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken on a rimmed sheet; insert lemon slices nearby to infuse citrus aroma. Bake 18-22 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Rest 5 minutes
Whisk dressing: Combine high-oleic sunflower oil, mayonnaise, egg yolk, 1 1/2 tablespoon garlic, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp nutritional yeast, and lemon juice with salt and pepper
In a large bowl, combine Romaine, croutons, walnuts, and dressing. Add cubed avocado 5 minutes before serving and toss gently to coat
Notes
Use cracked, crusty French bread for best crouton texture
Add salt and pepper directly to chicken before other seasonings
For dressing, adjust nutritional yeast and lemon juice for desired savoriness
Resting avocado last prevents oxidation
Replace Dijon mustard with lemon juice if avoiding any animal products
Omit garlic in dressing for a milder flavor
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: lunch
- Method: Baking, Whisking, Tossing
- Cuisine: European Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 230mg