Save This Romaine Caesar Bowl is a refreshing yet hearty main dish that brings the classic Italian-American flavors to your table in just 30 minutes. Featuring crisp greens, a creamy homemade dressing, and perfectly seasoned croutons, it is a satisfying meal choice for any day of the week.
Save Whether you choose grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or succulent shrimp, this bowl offers a high-protein option that balances the freshness of the romaine with the savory depth of shaved Parmesan and garlic.
Ingredients
- Salad: 2 large heads romaine lettuce (washed, dried, and chopped), 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved, optional), ½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese.
- Croutons: 3 cups day-old bread (cubed), 2 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper.
- Protein: 2 grilled chicken breasts (sliced), OR 1 can chickpeas (drained and roasted), OR 8 oz grilled shrimp.
- Caesar Dressing: ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, 2 tsp Dijon mustard, 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 optional finely minced anchovy fillets, ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, salt and black pepper to taste.
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Croutons
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, toss the bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread the mixture on a baking sheet and bake for 8–10 minutes until golden and crisp. Allow them to cool completely.
- Step 2: Whisk the Dressing
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, anchovies (if using), and grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 3: Prepare Your Protein
- Cook your chosen protein: grill and slice the chicken breasts; or roast chickpeas at 400°F (200°C) with olive oil, salt, and pepper for 20 minutes; or grill the shrimp until just cooked through.
- Step 4: Toss the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce with half of the prepared Caesar dressing. Add the cherry tomatoes and shaved Parmesan cheese, tossing gently to coat.
- Step 5: Assemble and Serve
- Top the salad with the homemade croutons and your prepared protein. Drizzle with the remaining dressing and serve immediately for the best texture.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the ultimate crunch, ensure your romaine lettuce is thoroughly dried after washing. If you are in a hurry, high-quality store-bought croutons can be used as a convenient substitute for homemade ones.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To make this recipe vegetarian, omit the anchovies and use a vegetarian-friendly Worcestershire sauce with roasted chickpeas as your protein. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free bread for the crouton preparation.
Serviervorschläge
This Romaine Caesar Bowl pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of Chardonnay or a refreshing sparkling water with a wedge of lemon. For added indulgence, consider topping the bowl with crispy bacon bits or a soft-boiled egg.
Save With its balance of creamy dressing, crunchy bread, and fresh greens, this Romaine Caesar Bowl is a reliable favorite that brings restaurant-quality dining right into your home kitchen.
Recipe FAQ
- → What makes the Caesar dressing creamy?
The dressing gets its creamy texture from a blend of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, which creates a rich base while keeping the consistency lighter than traditional heavy cream versions.
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the anchovies and use vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Choose roasted chickpeas as your protein option for a complete plant-based version.
- → How do I get crispy croutons?
Use day-old bread cubes tossed with olive oil and seasonings, then bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until golden. Starting with slightly dried bread ensures perfect crunch without burning.
- → What protein options work best?
Sliced grilled chicken breast adds classic flavor, roasted chickpeas provide crispy vegetarian texture, or grilled shrimp offers a lighter seafood option that pairs beautifully with the tangy dressing.
- → Can I prepare components ahead?
The croutons stay crisp for 2–3 days in an airtight container. The dressing develops more flavor after refrigeration overnight. Wash and chop romaine up to a day ahead, but toss with dressing just before serving to maintain crispness.
- → How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free bread for the croutons and ensure all condiments like Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.