Description
A modern twist on a classic Caesar salad featuring smoky, crisp air-fried blackened chicken. The air fryer adds perfect texture without oil, pairing tender chicken with cool romaine, tangy dressing, and golden croutons for a quick, gourmet meal.
Ingredients
4 boneless chicken breasts
2 cups romaine lettuce
1 cup cubed white bread (for croutons)
3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 egg yolk
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or halal-certified alternative)
1 teaspoon capers (optional)
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and black pepper
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan (or halal croutons instead)
Instructions
Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper
Air fry chicken at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until golden and cooked through, flipping halfway
Meanwhile, mix 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/4 cup Parmesan, 1 egg yolk, 1 teaspoon capers (if using), and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard into a creamy dressing
In a bowl, combine 1 cup bread cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder; bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes if using an oven, or air fry with 1 tablespoon oil for 5-7 minutes
Arrange romaine, dressing, air-fried chicken, and golden croutons in a bowl; toss gently and top with extra Parmesan (halal-style) if desired
Notes
Use halal or vegan Parmesan for stricter dietary needs
Adjust spice level by adding more or less cayenne
No anchovies used—capers replace saltiness if desired
Salad can be made in 45 minutes total when prepping components simultaneously
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 85mg