Chicken Caesar Zoodle Salad

Refreshing, light, and packed with protein, the Chicken Caesar Zoodle Salad is the perfect dish to welcome the warmth of spring or to enjoy during a hot summer day. If you’re craving the classic Caesar salad but want a healthier twist, substituting zucchini noodles (zoodles) for the traditional croutons gives you a delightful crunch and adds an extra serving of veggies to your meal. Here’s how to whip up this nutritious and satisfying salad in just a few simple steps.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into zoodles
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• For the Caesar dressing:
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 anchovy fillets, minced (optional)
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Extra Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions:

1. Begin by preparing your zoodles; wash and spiralize the zucchini. To remove excess moisture, place the zoodles on a paper towel, sprinkle with a bit of salt, and let them sit for a few minutes.
2. Now move on to the Caesar dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, minced anchovies, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until the dressing is well combined and creamy.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the zoodles, shredded chicken, and grated Parmesan cheese.
4. Pour the homemade Caesar dressing over the zoodle mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a thinner consistency for the dressing, you can add a tablespoon of water or more lemon juice to thin it out.
6. Divide the salad among plates and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and lemon wedges if desired.

This Chicken Caesar Zoodle Salad is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to include more greens in your diet without sacrificing flavor. It makes an excellent lunch or a light dinner, and you can easily customize it by adding other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or cucumber if you like. Enjoy this guilt-free twist on a classic!