Lemon Chicken Caesar Salad with cottage cheese is a refreshing twist on the classic Caesar salad. It combines bright citrus flavors with creamy richness. This dish typically features tender grilled or roasted chicken. The chicken is marinated in a zesty lemon dressing. This enhances the natural juiciness of the meat.
You’ll love my healthier Lemon Chicken Caesar Salad with Cottage Cheese. It includes parmesan cheese, almond milk, light olive oil, fresh lemon juice and zest, dijon mustard, and garlic. Then, it’s tossed with fresh romaine, mini cucumbers, and parmesan cheese. Gluten-free croutons are added. It’s topped with my juicy Pan-Seared Lemon Garlic Marinated Chicken Breasts.
Crisp romaine lettuce serves as the base, providing a satisfying crunch that complements the savory chicken. The salad is further enriched with a generous scoop of cottage cheese. This adds a unique creamy texture. It also provides a boost of protein. This makes the dish more filling while still keeping it light and nutritious.
Crunchy croutons and freshly grated Parmesan cheese are classic Caesar elements. They can still be included, providing that classic flavor profile. A lemony dressing brings it all together. Finished with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper and a garnish of lemon wedges, this salad is visually appealing. It is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. It is perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner choice.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make the best-tasting Lemon Chicken Cesar Salad With Cottage Cheese.
Romaine Lettuce: You can use spinach, kale, green leafy lettuce, or any other leafy green.
Shredded Parmesan Cheese: You can use grated pecorino romano as another choice. Asiago parmigiano reggiano cheese is another choice. Any grated cheese can replace shredded Parmesan.(see Notes)
Lemon Chicken Breasts: For best results, make my Lemon Garlic Marinated Chicken with boneless skinless chicken breast. You can also broil chicken or use any leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or chicken thighs.
Cottage Cheese: You can substitute with Greek yogurt, cream cheese, or mayonnaise as creamy alternatives.
Light Olive Oil: Avocado oil or grape seed oil can be used as alternatives.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the best lemon flavor. But you can also store bought lemon juice.
Dijon Mustard: You can omit or use yellow mustard or mustard powder instead.
Garlic Powder: Fresh garlic cloves can be used instead of garlic powder.
Milk: You can use any milk, including almond milk, regular dairy milk, soy milk, or coconut milk.
Mini Cucumbers: These are optional or can be replaced with regular cucumbers.
Pumpkin Seeds: You can omit or replace them with sunflower seeds, pine nuts or chopped almonds for added crunch.
Crunchy Croutons (Gluten-Free): You can omit or use homemade croutons, gluten-free crackers, bread cubes, garlicky croutons or parmesan crisps.
INGREDIENTS for Lemon Chicken Caesar Salad
- 4 cups romaine lettuce (chopped)
- 2 mini cucumbers (optional)
- 1 cup croutons (gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup shaved parmesan cheese (or shredded)
- 2 cups lemon chicken breasts(chopped)
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds(optional)
Parmesan Garlic Caesar Salad Dressing:
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup cottage cheese (blended)
- 1/4 cup light olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce(gluten-free)
- 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/3 cup milk (almond milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- dash pepper
Lemon Garlic Marinated Chicken Salad Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing:
- Place shredded Parmesan cheese, cottage cheese, and almond milk into a blender, food processor, or chopper cup. Use an immersion blender to combine them.
- Blend until smooth.
- Add light olive oil, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Blend again until the dressing is well mixed and creamy.
- If the consistency is too thick, gradually add more almond milk until you reach your desired texture.
- Prepare the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, add chopped romaine lettuce.
- Pour your desired amount of the lemon garlic dressing over the lettuce. Toss gently with tongs until the lettuce is well coated.
- Add the Extra Ingredients:
- Incorporate sliced mini cucumbers, croutons, shredded Parmesan cheese, and chopped lemon garlic marinated chicken (or omit the chicken if desired).
- Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Serve:
- Serve the salad promptly for the freshest taste and texture. Enjoy your delicious and satisfying meal!
- Enjoy!
- This salad is not only packed with flavor but also offers a balance of textures and nutrients. Feel free to adapt it further with your favorite toppings or vegetables!
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NOTES
Cheese Alternatives for Your Salad
When it comes to enhancing the flavor profile of your Lemon Chicken Caesar Salad, shredded Parmesan cheese is a classic choice, but there are several delightful alternatives that can elevate your dish:
- Pecorino Romano: This sheep’s milk cheese offers a salty and tangy flavor, making it a great substitute for Parmesan. Its sharper taste adds a unique twist to your salad.
- Asiago: Similar in texture to Parmesan, aged Asiago has a nutty and robust flavor. Fresh Asiago is milder, but aged Asiago provides a more intense taste that can complement the salad beautifully.
- Parmigiano Reggiano: Known as the King of Cheeses, Parmigiano Reggiano boasts a rich and complex flavor profile, perfect for salads. It’s a fantastic substitute that brings authenticity and depth to your dish.
- Grana Padano: This cheese is milder and slightly sweeter than Parmesan, yet still offers a similar texture. It serves as a wonderful substitute without overpowering other flavors.
- Nutritional Yeast: For a dairy-free choice, nutritional yeast can offer a cheesy flavor with added nutritional benefits. Sprinkle it on your salad for a savory, umami touch.
- Feta Cheese: While not a direct substitute, crumbled feta can add a tangy flavor. It offers a creamy texture that pairs well with lemon chicken and greens. This combination gives your salad a Mediterranean twist.
Feel free to mix and match. Choose the cheese that best suits your taste preferences. This will give a delightful twist to your Caesar salad!
Dressing Consistency: Add more milk for a thinner dressing
Extra Seasoning: Taste the dressing and adjust the salt and seasonings as needed. You can also add fresh lemon zest or an extra tablespoon of lemon juice to increase the lemon flavor.
Dressing Storage: This recipe makes about 1-1/2 cups of lemon caesar dressing. One serving is 1-2 tablespoons, so you will have plenty of dressing to store in the fridge. You can cut the recipe in half if you prefer less leftover.
Lemon Chicken Caesar Salad
This Lemon Chicken Caesar Salad with cottage cheese offers a refreshing twist on the classic dish. Tender grilled chicken is marinated in a zesty lemon dressing, served atop crisp romaine lettuce, and complemented by creamy cottage cheese. With the added crunch of croutons and a sprinkle of Parmesan, this salad is a perfect blend of bright flavors and textures, making it a satisfying yet healthy choice for any meal. Dive into this delightful fusion for a nutritious and delicious experience!
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 4 cups romaine lettuce (chopped)
- 2 mini cucumbers (optional)
- 1 cup croutons (gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup shaved parmesan cheese (or shredded)
- 2 cups lemon chicken breasts(chopped)
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds(optional)
Parmesan Garlic Caesar Salad Dressing:
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup cottage cheese (blended)
- 1/4 cup light olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (gluten-free)
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/3 cup milk (almond milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- dash pepper
Notes
Dressing Consistency: Add more milk for a thinner dressing
Extra Seasoning: Taste the dressing and adjust the salt and seasonings as needed. You can also add fresh lemon zest or an extra tablespoon of lemon juice to increase the lemon flavor.
Dressing Storage: This recipe makes about 1-1/2 cups of lemon caesar dressing. One serving is 1-2 tablespoons, so you will have plenty of dressing to store in the fridge. You can cut the recipe in half if you prefer less leftover.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 234Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 469mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 30g
**Nutritional information on HRCookery is provided as a courtesy. We can't guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on the site. these figures should only be considered as estimates.
