Description
This High Protein Chicken Caesar Salad Pizza is a delicious and nutritious twist on traditional pizza, combining the classic flavors of Caesar salad with a protein-packed grilled chicken topping. Featuring a crispy crust brushed with garlic-infused olive oil, melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and topped with fresh Romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes, this pizza offers a perfect balance of savory, fresh, and creamy textures in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pizza Base & Seasoning
- 1 pizza crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Protein & Cheese
- 1 cup grilled chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salad Toppings
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing (use a high-protein or Greek yogurt-based dressing for extra protein)
- 1 cup fresh Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If using store-bought pizza dough, roll it out on a baking sheet. If using homemade dough, prepare it as directed in your recipe.
- Prepare the crust: Brush the pizza crust evenly with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder. Bake the crust for 5–7 minutes until it begins to crisp up.
- Cook the chicken: While the crust is baking, grill or cook the chicken breast thoroughly until fully cooked. Allow it to cool slightly, then chop or shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Dress the crust: Remove the partially baked crust from the oven and spread a thin, even layer of Caesar dressing on top as the base sauce for your pizza.
- Add toppings and bake: Evenly distribute the grilled chicken pieces over the dressing, followed by the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Return the pizza to the oven and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
- Add fresh toppings: Remove the pizza from the oven and immediately top with fresh chopped Romaine lettuce and halved cherry tomatoes. Optionally, drizzle with extra Caesar dressing if desired.
- Serve: Slice the pizza and serve immediately. For an extra touch, garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of black pepper to taste.
Notes
- Using a Greek yogurt-based Caesar dressing boosts protein while keeping calories in check.
- You can grill chicken in advance or use leftover grilled chicken for convenience.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, bake it a few minutes longer before adding toppings.
- Add extra veggies like sliced red onions or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheeses and light Caesar dressing.
- Use fresh Romaine for the best crunch and flavor contrast with the warm pizza.
