A big, creamy Caesar salad is one of those meals I come back to again and again when I want something that feels fresh but still genuinely satisfying. I can toss it together for a quick lunch, add warm chicken for an easy dinner, or prep the components ahead so it’s ready to assemble straight from the fridge. It’s crisp, savory, and filling in that effortless way that never gets old.
But I also love giving familiar classics a small upgrade, and that’s exactly where this Caesar salad with cottage cheese dressing comes in. It keeps everything we love about a traditional Caesar, garlicky creaminess, salty Parmesan, crunchy croutons, just with a smoother, protein-rich dressing that feels lighter and just as indulgent.
What Makes a Great Caesar Salad?
A truly satisfying Caesar comes down to a few key balances:
- Crisp, sturdy lettuce that holds dressing without wilting
- Creamy, savory dressing with garlic and umami depth
- Salty aged cheese for sharp contrast
- Crunch from toasted bread or croutons
- A hearty element like chicken to make it a meal
The Cottage Cheese Caesar Dressing
This is where the twist happens. Blended cottage cheese creates a naturally thick, creamy base that mimics traditional Caesar richness without relying entirely on oil or egg yolk. It still carries all the classic flavors, garlic, lemon, Parmesan, and mustard, but feels fresher and more protein-forward.
What You’ll Need for Cottage Cheese Caesar Dressing
- 1 cup 2% low fat cottage cheese (226 g), for creamy body and protein
- 1 oz parmesan cheese (28 g) ~1/3 cup finely grated, for salty depth
- 1 large clove garlic, for sharp savory flavor
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (15 g), to brighten and balance richness
- 1/2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, for umami complexity
- 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard, for tang and emulsification
- 1/4 cup milk plus more to thin, to adjust consistency
- 1/4 tsp salt, to enhance overall flavor
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, for gentle warmth
The Salad Base
A Caesar works best with lettuce that stays crisp even after dressing. Romaine is ideal because its ribs add crunch while the leafy tops catch the creamy coating. Adding warm, seasoned chicken turns the salad into a complete meal, while freshly grated Parmesan melts slightly into the dressing.
What You’ll Need for the Salad
- 2 cups romaine lettuce (94 g) chopped, for crisp structure
- 4 oz cooked seasoned chicken (113 g) sliced or cubed, for protein
- 1/2 oz parmesan cheese (14 g) ~3 tbsp grated, for salty finish
- 1/4 cup cottage cheese Caesar dressing (56 g), for creamy coating
- 1/2 cup homemade croutons (15 g), for crunch
The Croutons
Homemade croutons make a Caesar feel restaurant-level. They’re crisp on the outside, slightly tender inside, and carry seasoning into every bite. Using simple sliced bread keeps them light and shatter-crisp rather than dense.
What You’ll Need for Croutons
- 3 slices white sandwich bread (70 g) cut into cubes, for airy crunch
- Light spray avocado oil (2 g) or olive oil, for even browning
- Italian seasoning, for herb aroma
- Garlic powder, for savory depth
- Salt and pepper, to season
Optional Variations and Swaps
This salad adapts easily depending on what you have or prefer:
- Use grilled shrimp instead of chicken
- Swap romaine for kale or little gem lettuce
- Add anchovy paste to the dressing for classic Caesar flavor
- Use sourdough or baguette for denser croutons
- Add extra lemon for a brighter dressing
Toppings and Finishing Touches
The finishing elements bring contrast and freshness, which keeps the creamy base from feeling heavy. A few small additions can shift the whole flavor balance.
- Extra shaved Parmesan for salty bursts
- Fresh cracked black pepper for aroma
- Lemon zest for brightness
- Cherry tomatoes for sweetness
- Soft-boiled egg for richness
How to Make Caesar Salad With Cottage Cheese
Toast the Croutons
Scatter the cubed bread across a lined baking sheet so the pieces sit in a single loose layer. Lightly mist with oil and sprinkle with seasoning, then toss with your hands so every edge is coated. Bake until golden and crisp at the corners, turning once so they brown evenly. Let them cool fully so they firm up and stay crunchy in the salad.
Blend the Cottage Cheese Caesar Dressing
Add the cottage cheese, Parmesan, garlic, lemon, Worcestershire, mustard, milk, salt, and pepper to a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides if needed so no graininess remains. Check the thickness and add a small splash more milk if you want a looser, pourable dressing that coats leaves evenly.
Prepare the Salad Components
Chop the romaine into bite-size pieces that still feel substantial and rinse if needed, then dry thoroughly so the dressing clings rather than sliding off. Slice or cube the cooked chicken so it distributes easily through the salad. Finely grate the Parmesan so it melts slightly when tossed with the dressing.
Assemble the Caesar Salad
Add the romaine to a large bowl and spoon over the cottage cheese Caesar dressing. Toss gently until the leaves are lightly coated rather than weighed down. Scatter in the chicken, Parmesan, and croutons, then toss once more just to combine. Finish with extra cheese or pepper if you like and serve immediately while the croutons stay crisp.
Storing and Meal Prep
The dressing keeps well refrigerated for about 3–4 days in a sealed jar and often thickens slightly as it sits, just stir in a splash of milk before using to loosen it back to a creamy consistency. It’s also sturdy enough for meal prep because the blended cottage cheese base resists separation.
For make-ahead salads, store the lettuce, chicken, croutons, and dressing separately and combine just before eating so everything stays crisp and fresh. Once dressed, the salad is best enjoyed right away since the croutons soften and the lettuce gradually wilts.
Caesar Salad With Cottage Cheese Dressing
Description
A creamy, protein-rich twist on classic Caesar salad made with a smooth cottage cheese Caesar dressing, crisp romaine, tender chicken, golden croutons, and freshly grated Parmesan. Fresh, satisfying, and perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients
For the Cottage Cheese Caesar Dressing
For the Croutons
For the Salad
Instructions
Prepare the croutons
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Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a small baking sheet with parchment paper so the bread does not stick or scorch. Cut the bread into roughly even bite-size cubes using a serrated knife, then spread them in a single loose layer so air can circulate. Lightly spray with oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, tossing gently with your hands until the pieces feel lightly coated. Bake for 12–15 minutes, turning once halfway, until the edges are golden and the centers feel dry and crisp (they firm more as they cool), then set aside to cool completely.
Blend the cottage cheese Caesar dressing
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Add the cottage cheese, grated Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, milk, salt, and pepper to a blender or small food processor. Blend for 30–60 seconds until the mixture becomes fully smooth, creamy, and pale with no visible curds (pause and scrape the sides if needed to avoid graininess). Check the texture by dipping a spoon in, it should coat smoothly and slowly drip; if too thick, blend in 1–2 tsp more milk until silky and pourable. Transfer to a small jar or bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
Prepare the salad base
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Wash and thoroughly dry the chopped romaine using a salad spinner or clean towel so the leaves feel crisp rather than damp (dry lettuce helps the dressing cling evenly). Slice or cube the cooked chicken into bite-size pieces so it distributes easily through the salad. Finely grate the Parmesan so it blends lightly into the dressing when tossed, creating that classic Caesar coating.
Assemble the Caesar salad
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Place the romaine in a large mixing bowl and spoon over the measured cottage cheese Caesar dressing. Toss gently with tongs or clean hands until the leaves look lightly coated and glossy but still airy rather than heavy. Add the chicken, grated Parmesan, and cooled croutons, then toss once more just until combined so the croutons stay crisp. Serve immediately while the textures are fresh and contrasting.
Note
The dressing thickens slightly in the refrigerator, which is normal; stir in a small splash of milk before using to restore a creamy consistency. For extra classic Caesar flavor, blend in 1 tsp anchovy paste with the dressing ingredients. Store leftover dressing in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep croutons at room temperature in an airtight jar so they remain crisp. Assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the lettuce from softening.
