This Keto Caesar Salad is what I make when I want serious flavors and don't have much time. I like to prep the dressing and chicken on the weekend so that I can have dinner on the table in about 10 minutes. Sometimes, when I am craving extra crunch, I will sprinkle on some pumpkin seeds. This recipe is filling and light at the same time!
The Perfect Keto Caesar Salad!
I love a good salad.
There are so many ways you can make them, and for the most part, I love them all.
When I was growing up, my deep love of all things salad had not yet developed. In particular, Caesar Salads were not a favorite of mine.
I never understood why I big pile of romaine lettuce drizzled in dressing was such a restaurant classic.
As an adult, I understand - it is the way everything blends. The combination of crisp romaine, Parmesan, and creamy dressing is utterly satisfying.
I might have learned to love Caesar salad dressing earlier in life, but my Dad (who hates fish) told me that there was fish in the dressing and the idea just seemed gross.
The idea still freaks me out a bit.
(This is one reason I've used anchovy sparingly, and opted for paste rather than having to look at the filets)
When I was in my early 20's, I finally tried Caesar salad, and then I realized what I'd been missing.
Love at first bite!
When I went keto, I knew I had to find a way to make one of my favorite salads work with the diet.
In truth, sans the croutons, most recipes are fairly keto-friendly.
(Though always read the labels when buying dressing!)
But you can't have a good salad without the crunch. AmIRight?
And that is where these delicious cheese crisps come in.
I think you will agree - they make a nice low carb alternative.
Variations for This Recipe:
- Although not a traditional componet, avocado, and cherry tomatoes are nice additions to this recipe.
- Another non-traditional addition is hardball eggs and grilled red onions.
- Serve with grilled steak, shrimp, or salmon instead of chicken.
- Use Kale instead of romaine lettuce.
Is Caesar Salad Keto? Is Caesar Salad Dressing Keto?
Traditional Caesar Salads contain croutons, which are not keto-friendly. Most, but not all, Caesar Salad Dressings will be keto-friendly. In this low carb Caesar Salad recipe, we substitute cheese crisps for the croutons and use a homemade dressing.
How Many Net Carbs are in Caesar Salad?
The calories contained in Caesar salad can vary wildly by the recipe and size. As an example, Panera Bread Caesar salad with Chicken has 17 grams of carbohydrates, while Chili’s main course Caesar has 53 grams. This recipe has just 1 net carb.
Can You Make Low Carb Caesar Salad Ahead of Time?
The components of this recipe can be made up to four days ahead of time. I recommend storing them separately and tossing just before serving.
How to Make Keto Caesar Salad:
First, make the crispy cheese “croutons”. To do this preheat your oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a small bowl, combine Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Next, using a tablespoon measure, place the mixture on a prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Flatten with the back of a fork. Bake for 9 minutes, until golden brown. Allow to cool and then remove from the pan.
Next, chop the romaine lettuce. Place in a bowl and top with salad dressing. Finally, add “croutons”, sliced chicken, and Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Other Must-Try Recipes:
- Prepare to swoon over this Low Carb Cobb Salad. As far as salads go, a Cobb Salad is kind of indulgent, but this version fits in perfectly with a keto diet.
- Looking for a fast and easy salad recipe that is perfect for meal prep? This Keto Taco Salad is a winner.
- Keto Grilled Chicken is my go-to chicken recipe! This tender, juicy chicken works perfectly in this Caesar Salad!
I am a big believer that the dressing makes a salad, so make sure you check out my Keto Caesar Dressing. You can skip the anchovy paste, but I think you will love the deep saltiness it lends to the salad. If you are pushed for time, you can certainly buy a keto-friendly salad dressing.
Keto Caesar Salad
Ingredients
Crispy Cheese “Croutons”
- 3 ounces fresh grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Salad
- 3 heads romaine lettuce hearts
- ¾ cup Keto Caesar Dressing or store-bought
- 1 ounce grated Parmesan cheese
- 16 ounces Keto Grilled Chicken sliced
Instructions
Croutons
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl combine Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Use a tablespoon measure, place Parmesan on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Flatten with a the back of a fork.
- Bake for about 9 minutes, until golden brown. Allow to cool completely before removing from the pan.
Salad
- Chop the romaine lettuce.
- Place in a bowl and toss with the salad dressing.
- Add “croutons” and sliced chicken.
- Sprinkle with cheese and serve immediately.
Notes
- Although not a traditional addition to Caesar salad, avocado, and cherry tomatoes are nice additions to this recipe.
- Another non-traditional addition is hardball eggs and grilled red onions.
- Serve with grilled steak instead of chicken.
- Use Kale instead of romaine lettuce.
Nutrition
Try These Low Carb Salad Recipes:
- Eggplant Caprese Salad from Eat Drink Paleo
- Marinated Zucchini Salad from Kayln's Kitchen
- Avocado Egg Salad from Diethood
This recipe was originally posted August 2, 2019. It was updated May 21, 2020.
Kalyn Denny
Looks good! Thanks for the shout-out for my Marinated Zucchini Salad!