Mediterranean Chicken Caesar Salad with Crispy Bacon & Homemade Croutons
This hearty Mediterranean-style Caesar salad swaps heavy creaminess for a bright, balanced dressing while keeping all the satisfying crunch. Tender chicken breast, crispy bacon, crunchy romaine lettuce, and rustic homemade croutons make this a wholesome yet indulgent meal.
⏱ Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken
2 large chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Crispy Bacon
4–6 slices of turkey or beef bacon (or regular bacon if preferred)
For the Homemade Croutons
3 cups day-old bread cubes (whole grain or sourdough)
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp dried thyme or oregano
Pinch of salt & pepper
For the Salad Base
2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
½ cup shaved Parmesan or crumbled feta (Mediterranean twist)
Optional: ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Easy Mediterranean Caesar Dressing
3 tbsp Greek yogurt (or light mayo)
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tbsp grated Parmesan
½ tsp anchovy paste (optional, for authentic flavor)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1–2 tbsp water, to thin if needed
Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
1. Rub chicken with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Grill or pan-sear over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
3. Rest 5 minutes, then slice.
2. Make the Crispy Bacon
1. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.
2. Drain on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.
3. Prepare the Homemade Croutons
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, thyme/oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, tossing halfway, until golden and crisp.
4. Make the Caesar Dressing
1. In a bowl, whisk yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, Parmesan, anchovy paste (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Thin with a splash of water if needed for creamy pourable texture.
5. Assemble the Salad
1. Place chopped romaine in a large bowl.
2. Top with sliced chicken, crispy bacon, and croutons.
3. Drizzle with Caesar dressing and toss gently.
4. Sprinkle with Parmesan or feta, and add cherry tomatoes if using.
Notes & Tips
Bacon Option: Use turkey or beef bacon for a leaner version.
Make Ahead: Store chicken, croutons, and dressing separately; assemble just before serving.
Extra Protein: Add a boiled egg or chickpeas for more Mediterranean balance.
Nutty Twist: Toasted pine nuts make a great garnish.
❓ frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I make this dressing without anchovies?
Yes — just skip them; Dijon and Parmesan will keep the flavor bold.
Q: Can I air-fry the croutons?
Absolutely — air-fry at 370°F (185°C) for about 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway.
Q: How long will leftovers keep?
Best eaten fresh, but you can store undressed salad ingredients separately for up to 2 days.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~520
Protein: 36g
Carbs: 28g
Fat: 29g
Fiber: 6g