This Ultimate Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad with Roasted Chickpeas offers a refreshing yet incredibly satisfying dinner solution, especially for those warm summer evenings. It’s a complete, flavor-packed meal that comes together with surprising ease!

As the days stretch longer and the summer sun intensifies, our culinary focus naturally shifts towards lighter, yet equally delicious, meal options. Hot ovens and stovetops become less appealing, paving the way for vibrant, fresh, and often chilled dishes. Here at our home, summer and salads are inextricably linked, and for good reason!

The beauty of summer dining lies in its versatility. You don’t always need a piping hot, elaborate meal to feel truly nourished and content. Sometimes, the most memorable dinners are those that celebrate fresh ingredients and offer a cool respite from the heat.

When the summer heat is on, a truly exceptional salad is the perfect answer. But let’s be clear: when I talk about salads, I’m not referring to a sparse plate of greens. We believe in going big or going home – creating salads that are substantial, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. And few salads capture my heart quite like a classic Caesar. It’s a timeless favorite, whether I’m enjoying it in the comfort of my own kitchen or at a beloved restaurant.

Contents

Ultimate Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad with Roasted Chickpeas

Today’s recipe elevates the traditional Caesar salad to an entirely new level, transforming it into a truly unforgettable main course. This isn’t just “any” salad; it’s a gourmet experience designed to delight your taste buds and leave you feeling completely satisfied. We’ve incorporated several delicious twists that make this Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad with Roasted Chickpeas stand out from the crowd.

First, we introduce a subtle smokiness by lightly grilling the romaine lettuce. This quick step adds an incredible depth of flavor that complements the other components beautifully. The star of the show, the chicken, is generously seasoned with a flavorful blackening spice before being perfectly grilled, ensuring every bite is juicy and packed with savory notes. And for that irresistible crunch and added plant-based protein, we’ve included perfectly roasted chickpeas – a game-changer for salad lovers!

Have you ever experienced the magic of roasted chickpeas? If not, you’re in for a delightful treat! These little legumes transform in the oven, becoming wonderfully crispy, savory, and utterly addictive. They provide a fantastic textural contrast to the tender chicken and crisp romaine, making them an excellent and nutritious addition to this hearty salad. They’re also incredibly versatile, serving as a delicious snack on their own or a delightful topping for soups and other dishes.

To tie all these incredible flavors together, I’ve crafted a homemade Caesar dressing that’s nothing short of spectacular. It’s wonderfully creamy, perfectly balanced, and bursting with fresh flavors, easily surpassing any store-bought alternative. Making your own dressing allows you to control the quality of ingredients and adjust the flavors to your exact preference, resulting in a truly bespoke salad experience.

Essential Ingredients for Your Ultimate Salad

Crafting this incredible salad starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this flavor masterpiece to life:

Salad Components:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (for a lean protein base)
Blackening spice (to infuse the chicken with bold, smoky flavors)
Heads of romaine lettuce (the classic Caesar base, enhanced by grilling)
Olive oil (for grilling and roasting)
Chickpeas (the star crispy addition)
Kosher salt and fresh black pepper (for seasoning)

Crafting the Perfect Homemade Caesar Dressing

A Caesar salad is only as good as its dressing, and this creamy, tangy homemade version is truly exceptional. Forget the bottled stuff; this recipe is simple to make and delivers unparalleled freshness.

Caesar Dressing Ingredients:

Grated Parmesan cheese (for savory depth)
Mayonnaise (to achieve that luscious creamy texture)
Fresh lemon juice (for bright, zesty notes)
Olive oil (the foundation of any good dressing)
Fresh garlic (for essential pungent flavor)
Dijon mustard (adds a subtle tang and emulsification)
Red wine vinegar (for a touch of acidity and complexity)
Kosher salt and fresh black pepper (to season to perfection)

Expert Tips for Making This Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

To ensure your Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad with Roasted Chickpeas turns out perfectly every time, keep these cook’s notes in mind:

**Dressing Customization:** Feel free to adjust the amount of dressing to your personal preference. Some prefer a lighter coating, while others enjoy a more generous toss. Any leftover dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it great for meal prep.
**Finding Blackening Spice:** Blackening spice is readily available in the spice aisle of most local grocery stores. It’s a fantastic blend for adding bold, savory flavor to chicken, fish, and other proteins.
**Grilling Romaine:** The key to perfectly grilled romaine is a quick char. Grill the cut sides for only about two minutes until they have slight grill marks and a hint of smoky flavor, but before they become limp. You want it tender-crisp, not soggy.
**Optimal Enjoyment:** This salad is truly best enjoyed immediately after assembly. This ensures the roasted chickpeas maintain their delightful crispiness and the grilled romaine retains its perfect texture. If you’re prepping ahead, keep the components separate and combine just before serving.

More Delicious Summer Recipes to Explore

Looking for more culinary inspiration to make the most of the warmer months? Discover these fantastic collections:

15+ Delicious Summer Salads
12 Fresh and Fruity Summer Desserts

Overhead photo of a ceasar salad with chikcne and chick peas in a bowl with caesar dressing and wooden salt and pepper shakers off to the side

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad with Roasted Chickpeas

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings: 4 servings

This Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad with Roasted Chickpeas is the perfect solution for dinner on those hot summer nights. It’s a satisfying meal that’s so simple to toss together!

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 40 mins

Ingredients

Caesar Dressing

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Roasted Chickpeas

1 15.5-oz. can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. kosher salt

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 2-3 breasts
2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
1-2 Tbsp. blackening spice
2 heads romaine lettuce, sliced in half lengthwise
Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

Caesar Dressing

Add all dressing ingredients to a small food processor and process until smooth. Pour into a jar and place in refrigerator.

Roasted Chickpeas

Place rack in middle of oven. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Pour chickpeas into a strainer and rinse thoroughly. Place rinsed chickpeas on a clean dish towel. Gently rub to remove the skins (this helps with crispiness). Once skins are removed, pat dry with another towel and then let air-dry for a few minutes.
Place the chickpeas on a rimmed baking sheet. Toss with one tablespoon olive oil. Stir with your hands until they’re evenly coated. Sprinkle generously with kosher salt.
Roast in the oven for 20-30 minutes, tossing every 10 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Mine took 25 minutes. Remove from the oven. Toss the chickpeas in your salad while they are warm and crispy for the best texture.

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

While chickpeas are roasting, prepare and grill your chicken. Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat, approximately 350-400 degrees F (175-200 degrees C).
Brush your chicken breasts with one tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle each side generously with blackening spice. Add chicken to the grill, close the lid, and cook 7-8 minutes or until the bottom of the chicken is easy to flip and has clear grill marks. Rotate the chicken, close the lid, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for an additional 7-10 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Remove from the grill. Let cool 3-4 minutes and cut into bite-sized chunks.
Clean the grill grates well. Keep the heat on medium. Brush the cut sides of the romaine heads lightly with the remaining one tablespoon olive oil. Place the heads cut side down on the grill and cook for only 2 minutes, until lightly charred but still crisp. Remove from the grill to a cutting board. Roughly chop the grilled romaine.
Add the chopped grilled romaine to a large serving bowl along with the grilled chicken pieces, the warm roasted chickpeas, and your desired amount of homemade Caesar dressing. Toss everything well to ensure all ingredients are coated. Serve immediately with extra dressing on the side and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful summer meal!

Notes

Use as much dressing as you prefer and refrigerate any remaining dressing in an airtight container for up to a week.
You can find blackening spice in the spice aisle at your local food market, or make your own blend.
Make sure to only grill your romaine for two minutes until just slightly charred to maintain its crisp texture.
This salad is best enjoyed immediately after you put it together so the chickpeas remain wonderfully crispy.

Nutrition

Keyword: blackening spice, caesar dressing, chickpeas, Chicken, romaine lettuce, salad

Cuisine: American

Course: Lunch, Main Dish