Homemade Chicken Caesar Salad To Go: A Modern Twist on a Classic Favorite
This 10-minute homemade chicken Caesar salad is the perfect grab-and-go lunch option. Layer dressing, protein, and cheese on top of crisp romaine lettuce for a fresh, customizable salad that won’t get soggy.
Love Caesar salads? We do too! But for something different, try our Bowtie Chicken Caesar Salad. Plus, discover a collection of delicious summer salads to expand your salad repertoire!
Ever felt like your lunch routine needed a serious glow-up? Maybe you’re tired of the same old soggy salads or lackluster sandwiches. Well, let me introduce you to a game-changer: Homemade Chicken Caesar Salad. Yep, you heard that right – I’m shaking up your salad game and taking it to a whole new level of convenience and deliciousness.
Imagine layers of crisp romaine lettuce, tangy Caesar dressing, chicken breast strips, and Parmesan cheese, all neatly packed into a trusty Mason jar. But wait, there’s more! Not only does it look Instagram-worthy, but it’s also ridiculously easy to make and even easier to transport.
So, whether you’re hustling through a busy workday or planning a picnic in the park, this Mason Jar Caesar Salad has got your back! Just toss the ingredients in a jar and you’re ready to go!
Homemade Chicken Caesar Salad
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Say goodbye to soggy salads! Salads are the ultimate grab-and-go meal option, making them perfect for busy days at work or school.
- Don’t like chicken? No problem! You can easily customize this salad with your favorite protein or veggies to suit your taste preferences.
- Spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your day with this make-ahead salad. Simply assemble the jars in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to eat.
How To Make This Recipe
Preparing this homemade chicken Caesar salad in a Mason jar is as simple as layering your favorite ingredients in a wide-mouth Mason jar. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients
- vegetable oil or olive oil
- salt and pepper
- chicken breast strips
- lemon juice
- fresh romaine lettuce
- Caesar salad dressing
- 2 quart wide-mouth Mason jars
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and drizzle with oil.
- Season the chicken with a splash of lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a generous grind of black pepper.
- Cook the chicken in the skillet until fully cooked, flipping it frequently until it’s beautifully browned on all sides.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and allow it to cool completely.
- Begin assembling your Mason jar salads by spooning a couple of tablespoons of Caesar dressing into the bottom of each jar.
- Next, add the cooled chicken (cut into bite-size pieces) on top of the dressing.
- Finally, finish off each jar by layering them with fresh, crisp romaine lettuce. Bend the leaves gently so they don’t get crushed and become limp.
What to Serve
Looking to round out your meal? Consider pairing your chicken salad with:
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Grilled shrimp or salmon
- Crusty baguette slices
- Fresh fruit or a side of sliced tomatoes
Variations
While the classic combination of ingredients in a homemade chicken Caesar salad is undeniably delicious, there are endless possibilities for customization. Here are a few variations to consider:
- If you are vegetarian, skip the chicken and add protein-rich ingredients like chickpeas, tofu, avocado, or grilled vegetables for a satisfying vegetarian alternative.
- For a seafood twist, incorporate grilled shrimp, smoked salmon, or canned tuna for a seafood-inspired twist on the traditional Caesar salad.
- Want to add something crunchy? Enhance the texture of your salad by adding crunchy elements such as croutons, toasted nuts, crispy bacon, or seeds for an extra burst of flavor and nutrition.
- Make it even easier! Use rotisserie chicken to make the meal prep on this chicken caesar salad recipe even faster.
Make This Homemade Chicken Caesar Salad in Minutes!
Homemade Chicken Caesar Salad
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- salt and pepper
- 8 oz chicken breast strips
- 1 juice of lemon
- Fresh romaine
- Caesar dressing
- 2 quart Mason jars wide mouth
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and drizzle with oil.
- Season the chicken with a splash of lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a generous grind of pepper.
- Cook the chicken in the skillet until it's fully cooked, flipping it frequently until it's beautifully browned on all sides.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and allow it to cool completely.
- Begin assembling your Mason jar salads by spooning Caesar dressing into the bottom of each jar.
- Next, add the cooled chicken on top of the dressing.
- Finally, finish off each jar by layering them with fresh, crisp romaine lettuce.
How To Store
One of the biggest advantages of Mason jar salads is their ability to be prepped ahead of time and stored for later consumption. Assemble your homemade chicken caesar salad up to three days in advance, ensuring that the dressing and lettuce are kept separate until ready to eat to prevent sogginess. Store the jars in the refrigerator until needed, and give them a good shake before serving to distribute the dressing evenly.
Common Questions about Homemade Chicken Caesar Salad
- Can I use a different type of lettuce? While romaine lettuce is traditionally used in Caesar salads for its crisp texture and mild flavor, feel free to substitute with your preferred leafy greens such as kale, spinach, or mixed salad greens.
- How long will Mason Jar Caesar Salad last in the refrigerator? When stored properly in airtight Mason jars, these salads can last up to three days in the refrigerator without compromising freshness or flavor.
- Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing? Absolutely! While homemade dressing adds a personal touch, store-bought Caesar dressing works just as well for added convenience.
The homemade chicken Caesar salad offers a convenient and delicious way to enjoy a classic favorite on the go. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week ahead or craving a quick and satisfying lunch, this recipe is sure to become a go-to option in your culinary repertoire. So grab your Mason jars and get ready to indulge in a fresh and flavorful salad experience like never before!
Share with Us
We’d love to see your take on this delicious recipe! Did you add a special twist? Did it turn out picture-perfect? If you make this recipe, tag us on social media using the hashtags #foodieaholic and #remodelaholic – we can’t wait to see your culinary creations!
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Cassity Kmetzsch started Remodelaholic after graduating from Utah State University with a degree in Interior Design. Remodelaholic is the place to share her love for knocking out walls, and building everything back up again to not only add function but beauty to her home. Together with her husband Justin, they have remodeled 6 homes and are working on a seventh. She is a mother of four amazing girls. Making a house a home is her favorite hobby.
