Chicken Caesar salad — the classic salad with the famous dressing, croutons and parmesan

Ingredients (for 4 people)

• 2 chicken breasts (about 500 g)
• 1 head of romaine lettuce (about 400 g)
• 100 g stale white bread (for croutons)
• 50 g grated parmesan + a few shavings for serving
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves
• salt and black pepper

For the Caesar dressing

• 150 g mayonnaise
• 30 g finely grated parmesan
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 crushed garlic clove
• 2 anchovy fillets (optional)
• juice of half a lemon
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Preparation steps

1. Prepare the croutons: cut the bread into small cubes, toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil, crushed garlic and salt, and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 10–12 minutes until golden.
2. Prepare the dressing: in a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, parmesan, mustard, garlic, finely chopped anchovies, lemon juice and olive oil until it becomes a smooth cream. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Salt and pepper the chicken breasts, brush with olive oil and grill on a griddle or grill pan for 5–6 minutes per side, until fully cooked. Let rest for 5 minutes and slice into strips.
4. Wash and dry the lettuce, tear the leaves by hand into large pieces and place in a large bowl.
5. Add the Caesar dressing over the lettuce and toss well so every leaf is coated.
6. Add the sliced chicken, croutons and grated parmesan. Toss lightly.
7. Serve immediately on plates, garnished with parmesan shavings and a little freshly ground black pepper.

Time and servings: Preparation time 20 minutes, cooking time 15 minutes. 4 servings.