Healthier Chicken Caesar Salad (GF + DF)

Growing up, I LOVED chicken caesar salads. I would order them all the time when my family went out to eat at restaurants— which I always look back thinking was odd because most children don’t order salads when out to eat. But even before I got into healthy eating, I loved salads. Particuarly chicken caesar salads and any sort of “sweet” salad with strawberries, candied nuts, and a sweet dressing. But there is this one particular chicken caesar salad that tops them ALL. It’s from a local place called Yaya’s. The chicken is always perfectly seasoned and cooked, the lettuce is crisp, the dressing is super creamy and flavorful, and it comes with a side of warm pita bread and honey cinnamon butter— ummm, not me drooling typing this out…

I feel my best when I am eating mostly gluten-free and dairy-free and let me tell ya, I MISS that salad. Besides not being gluten and dairy-free, it’s also not the healthiest salad in the world… more like a fast food salad. SO, I decided to bring matters into my own hands and make a gluten-free, dairy-free, clean ingredient version of my beloved Yaya’s Chicken Caesar Salad and so here we are, of course sharing it with you guys!

This Chicken Caesar Salad is actually very simple to make. I personally like to make a big batch of chicken and wash and store my lettuce all at the beginning of the week so that when lunchtime rolls around each week, I can easily just toss everyting into a bowl and get back to work. You can even make the croutons ahead of time— making this a very “meal prep-able” salad!

I also love that this salad contains vegetables— lettuce obviously, plus tomatoes for extra nutrients, protein from the chicken, healthy carbs from the good quality bread, and healthy fat from the homemade dressing— making this a very balanced, well-rounded, and satiating meal!

SEE MY VIDEO TUTORIAL HERE.

What you need to make this Homeade Chicken Caesar Salad:

• romaine lettuce— we love the light and crisp texture of this lettuce but of course feel free to use your preferred greens. I know many people enjoy kale caesars!

• tomatoes— optional but I personally love tomatoes in my caesar salads

• chicken— breast or thighs will work plus you’ll need some avocado oil and seasonings

• homemade gluten-free croutons— all you’ll need is your fave gf bread, olive oil or avocado oil, salt, and garlic powder!

For the homemade dairy-free caesar dressing:

• plain unsweetened non-dairy yogurt— feel free to use regular dairy yogurt if you prefer

• avocado oil mayo

• dijon mustard

• lemon juice

• 1 small garlic clove

• nutritional yeast— for a “cheese-y” flavor

• anchovie filets—don’t be scared of these! A can costs around $2 at the store and they make it taste like a true caesar! And add extra protein and omega 3’s

• salt and pepper