Wraps are the ultimate grab-and-go meal. Whether you’re rushing to prepare lunch for work or packing something quick for a picnic, they offer the perfect balance of portability, versatility, and flavor. One of the most beloved wrap options is the Classic Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap, combining the best elements of a Caesar salad—crisp romaine lettuce, juicy grilled chicken, creamy Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, and crunchy croutons—wrapped up in a soft tortilla.
The Caesar salad has been a classic for decades, beloved for its simplicity and bold flavors. The contrast between the cool, crunchy romaine lettuce and the savory Caesar dressing creates a harmony of textures and tastes that is nothing short of satisfying. Turning this salad into a wrap not only makes it more filling but also adds an extra layer of versatility. It’s an ideal solution for a hearty lunch or a light dinner.
This recipe takes the classic Caesar salad and makes it even more exciting by adding tender grilled chicken, extra toppings like croutons for crunch, and Parmesan cheese for that salty, nutty bite. Wrapping it all up in a tortilla not only makes it convenient but transforms the salad into a satisfying meal that you can take anywhere.
Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious wrap from scratch, including tips for grilling the chicken to perfection and assembling the wraps with just the right balance of flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon (for marinating)
For the Caesar Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Wraps:
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups romaine lettuce (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ cup grated or shaved Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: cherry tomatoes (halved for added freshness)
Garnishes:
- Lemon wedges (for extra tang)
- Chopped parsley or fresh basil (for color and freshness)
Equipment Needed
- Grill pan or outdoor grill
- Small mixing bowl for the dressing
- Knife and cutting board
- Large skillet (if using to warm the tortillas)
- Tongs or spatula for grilling
- Aluminum foil (for resting the chicken)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
To make a flavorful chicken Caesar wrap, it’s essential to season the chicken well before grilling. Start by marinating your chicken breasts to infuse them with a light lemony flavor that complements the Caesar dressing.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, garlic powder, paprika (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Coat the chicken breasts in this mixture and let them marinate for at least 20-30 minutes. If you have time, marinating for a couple of hours in the fridge will make the chicken even juicier.
Step 2: Prepare the Caesar Dressing
While the chicken marinates, you can prepare the Caesar dressing. Homemade Caesar dressing is not only easy to make but also far more flavorful than most store-bought versions.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more lemon for tang or more Parmesan for a richer taste.
- Set the dressing aside, or refrigerate it if you’re making it ahead of time.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Grilling the chicken is key to adding flavor and texture to the wraps. You can use an outdoor grill or a grill pan on the stovetop.
- Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and brush it with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and place them on the hot grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the breasts, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest under a piece of aluminum foil for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This ensures the chicken remains moist when sliced.
- After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces, perfect for filling the wraps.
Step 4: Prepare the Wrap Ingredients
While the chicken rests, you can prepare the other ingredients for your wraps.
- Romaine Lettuce: Wash and dry the romaine lettuce, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. You want the lettuce to be crisp and fresh, as this will add a nice crunch to the wraps.
- Parmesan Cheese: You can either grate or shave the Parmesan cheese, depending on your preference. Shaved Parmesan adds a slightly more intense flavor and texture, while grated melts into the wrap more easily.
- Croutons: You can use store-bought croutons for convenience, or make your own by toasting cubed bread with olive oil, garlic, and herbs in the oven until crispy.
- Tortillas: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for about 20-30 seconds on each side, or microwave them for a few seconds to make them soft and pliable. This will prevent them from tearing when you assemble the wraps.
Step 5: Assemble the Wraps
Now comes the fun part—assembling the wraps! It’s important to layer the ingredients evenly, so every bite is balanced.
- Lay a warm tortilla flat on a clean surface.
- Spread a couple of spoonfuls of the Caesar dressing in the center of the tortilla. Don’t go too close to the edges, as it can spill out when rolling.
- Add a handful of chopped romaine lettuce, followed by a generous amount of grilled chicken slices.
- Sprinkle with shaved or grated Parmesan cheese, and for extra crunch, add a few croutons on top.
- Optionally, you can add halved cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and freshness.
- Roll the tortilla tightly, folding in the sides as you go to keep the filling secure. Cut the wrap in half for easy serving.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Place the wraps on a serving platter and garnish with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus. You can also sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top for a fresh, herbal finish.
Serve these Classic Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps with extra dressing on the side for dipping or drizzling. If you want to make the meal more substantial, you can pair it with a simple side dish like a small bowl of soup or a fresh fruit salad.
Customizations and Tips
1. Customize the Protein
While this recipe calls for grilled chicken, you can easily swap it out for other proteins. Try grilled shrimp for a seafood twist or grilled tofu for a vegetarian option. Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonderfully as well if you’re short on time.
2. Play with the Dressing
If you’re not a fan of traditional Caesar dressing or prefer a lighter option, you can substitute the mayo-based dressing with Greek yogurt for added creaminess and tang without the extra calories. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, there are plenty of store-bought or homemade dairy-free Caesar dressings made with ingredients like tahini or cashews.
3. Add Extra Crunch
If you want more texture, feel free to add sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, or even a handful of shredded cabbage. These veggies add a vibrant crunch that pairs well with the creamy dressing.
4. Make It Gluten-Free
To make the recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free tortillas and check that your croutons and dressing ingredients are gluten-free as well. There are plenty of high-quality gluten-free wraps available that will work just as well for this dish.
5. Meal Prep Friendly
These wraps are perfect for meal prep. You can make all the components ahead of time—grill the chicken, prepare the dressing, and chop the veggies—and assemble the wraps when you’re ready to eat. Store everything in airtight containers, and the wraps will come together in minutes!
The Classic Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap is a simple yet flavor-packed meal that offers everything you love about Caesar salad in a convenient, handheld form. The creamy Caesar dressing, tender grilled chicken, crunchy romaine lettuce, and Parmesan cheese all work together to create a meal that is satisfying, portable, and perfect for both lunch and dinner.
This wrap is ideal for busy families, quick lunches on the go, or even a light dinner when paired with a side salad or soup. Plus, it’s highly customizable to fit your personal preferences, making it a versatile recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Enjoy your delicious, homemade Classic Chicken Caesar Salad Wraps, and happy cooking!