Discover the biggest upgrade to salad that you’ve ever had, our homemade marinated Traeger Chicken Caesar Salad. This is a perfect blend of tender, grilled chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, savory Parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons, all tossed in a homemade Caesar vinaigrette dressing. This recipe not only delivers a delectable salad but also introduces an innovative way to use your grill, bringing out a smoky flavor that perfectly complements the creamy, tangy dressing. Ideal for a refreshing lunch, dinner, or a sophisticated side dish, this salad is straightforward to prepare and customizable to suit your taste.
Traeger Chicken Caesar Salad
This Traeger Chicken Caesar Salad recipe takes a classic family favorite and amps it up by incorporating grilled chicken for a smoky touch that goes beautifully with the tangy Caesar vinaigrette.
The homemade dressing, rich with flavors of Parmesan cheese, anchovy paste, and a blend of seasonings, sets this salad apart. The grilled chicken is marinated in the dressing for added flavor, then grilled until it is a perfect 165°F.
Fresh romaine lettuce, more Parmesan, and crunchy croutons complete the dish, making it a healthy lunch or dinner option that your whole family will love.
Why you’ll love this dish…
- Grilled Chicken: The smoky flavor from grilling adds a unique twist to the chicken, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
- Homemade Dressing: Fresh and creamy with a perfect balance of flavors, this dressing surpasses any store-bought version.
- Versatility: Serve as a main course or a side dish, perfect for any occasion from casual lunches to dinner parties.
- Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to cater to dietary preferences or to experiment with flavors.
Get all of my Traeger Recipes here!
Traeger Chicken Caesar Salad shopping list
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Water
- White Vinegar
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Sugar
- Anchovy Paste
- Sea Salt
- Dried Oregano
- Garlic
- Dijon Mustard
- Black Pepper
- Cayenne Pepper
- Paprika
- Chicken Breasts
- Salt
- Garlic Powder
- Pepper
- Romaine Hearts
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- Croutons
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How to make Traeger Chicken Caesar Salad
Wondering what you’re getting yourself into when you make this dish? Here’s a quick overview of the process! Make sure you follow the instructions at the recipe card at the bottom of the post while you’re cooking.
- Prepare the DressingCombine all dressing ingredients in a mason jar and shake well to emulsify. Reserve some for marinating the chicken and dressing the salad.
- Marinate ChickenPlace chicken breasts in a bag with the dressing. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor infusion.
- Grill ChickenPreheat your grill. Season marinated chicken with additional salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Grill until fully cooked and let rest before slicing.
- Assemble SaladToss chopped romaine lettuce in the remaining dressing. Add shredded Parmesan and croutons, mixing well.
- ServeDistribute salad among bowls, top with sliced grilled chicken, and enjoy your homemade Traeger Chicken Caesar Salad.
Try with our Homemade Creamy Caesar Dressing!
Traeger Chicken Caesar FAQ
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
How can I store leftovers?
Don’t dress the lettuce before you’re ready to eat. Keep salad and chicken separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Consume within 2-3 days.
Any tips for reheating the chicken?
Yes – don’t! This chicken tastes great cold. Just cube it up and toss it with the dressing, lettuce, and cheese, and you’ll be all set!
Try our Red Wine Vinaigrette!
Serve this with…
More great soup, salads, and sandwiches to love!
- Beef Dumpling Soup
- Chicken Pot Pie Soup
- Smoked Lemon Chicken Orzo
- Easy Pasta Salad Recipes For Summer
- Asian Chicken Salad
- Greek Salad
- Chopped Italian Sandwich
- Traeger Grilled Steak Sandwich
- Traeger Reuben Sandwich
- Traeger Pulled Lamb Gyro Sandwich
Traeger Chicken Caesar Salad
Ingredients
Caesar Vinaigrette Dressing
- 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/8 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Salad
- 3 heads romaine hearts
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons
Instructions
- Combine all of the dressing ingredients together in a quart-sized mason jar. Shake vigorously to combine and emulsify.
- Place the chicken breasts into a large freezer baggie and add 1 cup of the dressing.
- Refrigerate and let the chicken marinate in the dressing for at least 4 hours, but overnight is preferred.
- Preheat your grill to 375°F.
- Drain the marinade off the chicken breasts. Season with the salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place onto the grill and cook for 8 minutes before flipping. Continue cooking until the internal temperature is 165°F.
- Remove and let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Tear or chop the lettuce and put it into a large mixing bowl.
- Add in enough dressing to coat the lettuce and toss with tongs until all the lettuce is coated with dressing.
- Divide between 4 bowls. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top along with the croutons.
- Top with sliced chicken breast and enjoy!
Tools & Equipment
Nutrition
Nicole Johnson
Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.