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In recent years, the trend of healthy eating has surged in popularity, prompting many home cooks and food enthusiasts to explore nutritious alternatives to traditional dishes. Salads, in particular, have taken center stage in this culinary evolution, transitioning from side dishes to vibrant, satisfying meals that can stand alone. Among the myriad of salad variations emerging today, the Zesty Zucchini Noodle Chicken Caesar Salad has carved out a niche for itself as a delightful and health-conscious alternative to the classic pasta salad.

Zucchini Noodle Chicken Caesar Salad

Discover a healthy twist on a classic favorite with the Zesty Zucchini Noodle Chicken Caesar Salad! This refreshing recipe replaces traditional pasta with nutrient-rich zucchini noodles, or zoodles, making it low in carbs while still satisfying. Packed with protein from grilled chicken and enhanced with vibrant cherry tomatoes and Parmesan cheese, this salad is a perfect blend of flavor and nutrition. Ideal for lunch or dinner, it's easy to customize with your favorite veggies or dressings for endless variations. Enjoy a delicious and guilt-free meal today!

Ingredients
  

3 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup sliced black olives

1/4 cup homemade or store-bought Caesar dressing

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Croutons (optional, for topping)

Instructions
 

Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.

    Prepare Zucchini Noodles: While the chicken is cooking, spiralize the zucchinis into noodles using a spiralizer. If you don’t have one, you can use a julienne peeler. Place the zucchini noodles in a colander, sprinkle with a little salt, and let sit for about 10 minutes to drain excess moisture.

      Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the drained zucchini noodles, sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, olives, and Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with the Caesar dressing and toss gently until well combined.

        Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or dressing as desired.

          Serve: Transfer the salad to serving plates. Garnish with fresh parsley and top with croutons if using. Serve immediately for the best texture!

            Optional Step: For an added twist, you can lightly sauté the zucchini noodles in a pan with a little olive oil for 1-2 minutes to soften them before mixing them with the other ingredients.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

                15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings