Pin It A fresh, hearty salad inspired by the flavors of the famous Costco Chicken Bake, featuring roasted chicken, crisp greens, smoky bacon, cheese, and a creamy Caesar-inspired dressing.
I love serving this salad on busy weeknights when I want something satisfying but simple. It quickly became a family favorite thanks to its bold flavors.
Ingredients
- Chicken & Bacon: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded, 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Greens & Vegetables: 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Cheeses & Bread: 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded, 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated, 1 cup croutons
- Creamy Caesar-Style Dressing: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 garlic clove, minced, 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth. Set aside or chill.
- Combine vegetables:
- In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Add proteins and cheese:
- Add the diced cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan to the salad.
- Toss salad:
- Drizzle with the creamy Caesar-style dressing and toss gently to combine.
- Add croutons:
- Top with croutons just before serving to maintain their crunch.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Pin It This dish often brings our family together at the dinner table, sparking conversations and smiles every time.
Pairing Suggestions
Pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer to complement the smoky and creamy flavors.
Variations
Add sliced black olives or roasted corn to change up the flavors and add extra texture and color.
Storage Tips
Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness and crunch of the croutons.
Pin It This salad is a quick and delicious way to enjoy the tastes of the Costco Chicken Bake without all the fuss.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad bowl?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly, adding extra flavor and saving preparation time.
- → Is it possible to substitute turkey bacon?
Turkey bacon offers a lighter alternative while preserving the smoky taste.
- → What can I add for extra flavor or variation?
Consider adding black olives or roasted corn to introduce different textures and flavors.
- → How should I serve this salad bowl for best crunch?
Add croutons just before serving to maintain their crispiness throughout the meal.
- → What dressing ingredients create the creamy Caesar style?
The dressing blends mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce for a smooth tangy flavor.