Ingredients

For the Salad:

• Chicken breasts: 4 boneless, skinless, filet removed
• Prosciutto: 4 slices
• Romaine lettuce hearts: 2 whole, washed and cut lengthwise in half
• Canola oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
• Parmesan cheese: 1/3 cup (80 ml), grated
• Croutons: 1 cup (250 ml), store-bought or homemade
• Capers: 1 tablespoon (15 ml), optional
• Freshly cracked black pepper: To taste

For the Caesar Dressing:

• Mayonnaise: 3/4 cup (180 ml), whole-egg
• Garlic: 1 clove, finely minced
• Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons (30 ml)
• Worcestershire sauce: A dash
• Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon (5 ml)
• Anchovy paste: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml), optional

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
2. Wrap with prosciutto: Take each chicken breast and wrap it with a slice of prosciutto. The prosciutto will add a savory, slightly crispy layer to the chicken as it cooks.
3. Grill the chicken: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill with oil to prevent sticking. Place the prosciutto-wrapped chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The prosciutto should be crispy and the chicken golden brown. Once cooked, remove from the grill and set aside to rest.

Step 2: Grill the Romaine Hearts

1. Prepare the romaine: Drizzle the cut sides of the romaine hearts with a little canola oil and season with salt and pepper.
2. Grill the romaine: Place the romaine hearts cut side down on the hot grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes, just until they get a nice char but are still crisp in the center. Remove from the grill and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Caesar Dressing

1. Combine the ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup of whole-egg mayonnaise, 1 finely minced garlic clove, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and 1/2 teaspoon of anchovy paste (if using). Whisk until smooth and creamy.
2. Taste and adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning if necessary. If you want a more tangy flavor, add a bit more lemon juice. For more richness, add a touch more Worcestershire sauce.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. Chop the grilled chicken: Slice the grilled, prosciutto-wrapped chicken breasts into thin slices.
2. Arrange the romaine: Place the grilled romaine hearts on a large serving platter or individual plates, cut side up.
3. Add toppings: Scatter the croutons, grated Parmesan cheese, and capers (if using) over the grilled romaine.
4. Add the chicken: Top the romaine and crouton mixture with the sliced grilled chicken.
5. Drizzle with dressing: Generously drizzle the homemade Caesar dressing over the salad. Use as much or as little as you like, depending on your preference.
6. Finish with black pepper: Finish the salad with a few twists of freshly cracked black pepper.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish: For extra flavor, garnish the salad with additional Parmesan cheese or a few more capers.
2. Serve immediately: This salad is best served immediately, while the romaine is still crisp and the chicken is warm.

Cooking Tips

• Homemade croutons: For extra flavor, make your own croutons by tossing cubes of day-old bread with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then toasting them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes until golden and crisp.
• Customizing the dressing: You can adjust the thickness of the Caesar dressing by adding a tablespoon or two of water if you prefer a lighter consistency. Anchovy paste adds a classic Caesar flavor, but you can leave it out for a milder taste.
• Grilling the chicken: If you don’t have a grill or grill pan, you can cook the chicken breasts in a skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Cook until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store the dressing separately if possible to prevent the romaine from becoming soggy.
• Freezing: The salad components (except for the romaine and dressing) can be frozen. The grilled chicken and prosciutto can be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 38 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1100 mg
• Calcium: 20% DV
• Iron: 15% DV

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use another type of lettuce?
   • Yes, if you don’t have romaine, you can use other crunchy lettuces like iceberg or butter lettuce. Romaine, however, holds up best to grilling.
2. How can I make this salad vegetarian?
   • To make this salad vegetarian, omit the chicken and prosciutto and add roasted vegetables or grilled tofu as a protein substitute. You can also use a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce in the dressing.
3. What can I use instead of anchovy paste in the dressing?
   • If you don’t have anchovy paste, you can use soy sauce for a similar umami flavor, or simply leave it out for a milder dressing.
4. Can I use store-bought Caesar dressing?
   • Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought Caesar dressing instead of making your own. However, homemade dressing adds a fresh, authentic flavor.
5. What other toppings can I add?
   • You can customize the salad with additional toppings like hard-boiled eggs, sliced avocado, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

This Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad with Prosciutto and Romaine Hearts is a fresh take on the classic Caesar salad, adding grilled chicken and prosciutto for extra heartiness and flavor. The homemade Caesar dressing is rich and creamy, and grilling the romaine adds a subtle smoky touch that elevates the dish. Whether you’re serving it for lunch or dinner, this salad is a delicious way to enjoy the crispness of romaine, the savory taste of chicken and prosciutto, and the bold flavors of Parmesan and Caesar dressing. It’s easy to make, healthy, and satisfying!