Keto Chicken Caesar Salad (No Croutons)
A classic Caesar with grilled chicken, crisp romaine, and plenty of parmesan, minus the croutons. Rich, garlicky dressing keeps it satisfying at just 4 grams of net carbs.
Caesar salad, croutons optional
The only thing standing between a Caesar salad and a keto lunch is the bread. Drop the croutons and you have grilled chicken, romaine, a sharp garlicky dressing, and a snowfall of parmesan, which was always the best part anyway.
To replace the crunch, lean on a heavier hand with grated parmesan or a few parmesan crisps on the side. A real Caesar dressing built on egg yolk, anchovy, garlic, and olive oil has almost no carbs, so it fits keto without changes.
- Grill or pan-sear the chicken for color and flavor
- Skip croutons and add parmesan crisps for crunch
- Use a real Caesar dressing, not a sweetened bottled one
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Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 12 ounces total) (net carbs →)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (net carbs →)
- 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce (net carbs →)
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping (net carbs →)
- 1/3 cup Caesar dressing (net carbs →)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (net carbs →)
- 1/4 cup parmesan crisps, for crunch (optional) (net carbs →)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1Pat the chicken dry, rub with olive oil, and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- 2Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high and cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 3Rest the chicken for 5 minutes, then slice it across the grain.
- 4Toss the romaine with the Caesar dressing and grated parmesan until every leaf is lightly coated.
- 5Divide the dressed lettuce between two plates and top with the sliced chicken.
- 6Finish with extra parmesan and a handful of parmesan crisps for crunch, then serve.
Nutrition (per serving)
Recipe FAQ
What replaces croutons on a keto Caesar?
Parmesan crisps are the closest swap, giving you a salty crunch with no starch. You can also add toasted pork rinds, roasted pumpkin seeds, or a few slices of crisp bacon. Each adds texture and flavor while keeping net carbs low.
Is Caesar dressing keto-friendly?
A traditional Caesar dressing made from egg yolk, olive oil, anchovy, garlic, and parmesan is naturally very low in carbs. Just read the label on bottled versions, since some brands add sugar or fillers. Anything under 2 grams of carbs per serving is a safe choice.
Can I use shrimp or steak instead of chicken?
Yes, this salad works with any protein. Grilled shrimp cooks in just a couple of minutes, and sliced steak makes it heartier. Keep the seasoning simple so the Caesar dressing and parmesan stay the stars of the plate.
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