Romaine Caesar Bowl

A fresh, hearty salad featuring crisp romaine lettuce, creamy homemade Caesar dressing, crunchy croutons, and your choice of protein for a satisfying meal. This Romaine Caesar Bowl is a classic Italian-American main dish that brings together a variety of textures and bold flavors in every bite, making it an easy yet impressive option for lunch or dinner.

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With a preparation time of 20 minutes and a quick cooking phase of 10 minutes, this recipe yields 4 servings. It is designed to be easy to follow, ensuring a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 large heads romaine lettuce, washed, dried, and chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• ½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups day-old bread, cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 grilled chicken breasts (sliced), OR 1 can chickpeas (drained and roasted), OR 8 oz grilled shrimp
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 anchovy fillets, finely minced (optional)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Bake the Croutons

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp. Cool completely.

2. Prepare the Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, anchovies (if using), Parmesan, salt, and pepper.

3. Prepare the Protein

Grill chicken breasts and slice; or roast chickpeas at 400°F (200°C) tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper for 20 minutes; or grill shrimp until just cooked through.

4. Toss the Greens

In a large bowl, toss chopped romaine with half the Caesar dressing. Add cherry tomatoes and shaved Parmesan.

5. Assemble and Serve

Top salad with croutons, protein of choice, and drizzle remaining dressing. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, utilize a large salad bowl for tossing and a high-quality whisk for the dressing. If you want to elevate the dish further, consider adding crispy bacon bits or a soft-boiled egg for extra flavor and richness. Using a sharp chef's knife and a steady cutting board will make prepping the romaine and protein much more efficient.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe can be easily adapted for different dietary needs. For a vegetarian version, omit the anchovies and ensure you use a vegetarian-friendly Worcestershire sauce. For those who are gluten-sensitive, simply substitute the day-old bread with your favorite gluten-free bread to make the croutons. You can also rotate your protein choices between chicken, shrimp, and chickpeas to keep the meal exciting.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this Romaine Caesar Bowl immediately after assembly to ensure the lettuce stays crisp and the croutons remain crunchy. For a complete dining experience, pair the salad with a glass of crisp Chardonnay or a refreshing sparkling water with a slice of lemon.

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This satisfying bowl contains approximately 420 calories per serving when prepared with grilled chicken, providing 29g of protein and 22g of fat. It's a balanced, nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on flavor.

Questions & Answers

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the anchovies and use vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Choose roasted chickpeas instead of chicken or shrimp for your protein.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store components separately: keep dressing in the refrigerator for up to a week, croutons in an airtight container, and prepped vegetables for 2-3 days. Assemble just before serving.

→ Can I use store-bought dressing?

Absolutely. Store-bought Caesar dressing works well in a pinch, though homemade offers fresher flavor and adjustable seasoning.

→ What protein options work best?

Grilled chicken breast is traditional, but roasted chickpeas make excellent vegetarian options. Grilled shrimp adds a light, seafood variation.

→ How do I make it gluten-free?

Substitute regular bread with gluten-free bread for croutons. Double-check all condiments and seasonings for hidden gluten sources.