Tex Mex Chicken Caesar Salad

Ok, here it is! A healthy recipe for a YUMMY salad with homemade caesar dressing and homemade croutons, too! I adapted this from a recipe in Rachael Ray’s 365: No Repeats {which I’ve said before, is one of my favorite cookbooks ever}.

Tex Mex Chicken Caesar Salad

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin and cubed
2 TBSP chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp salt
About 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 tsp finely chopped garlic cloves (I buy the kind in the jar)
3 cups cubed whole wheat bakery bread (about 1/2 a loaf)
2 cups grated parmesan cheese (I use a small pre-shredded bag)
1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (more if you like a little kick!)
2 limes (zest and juice of)
1 TBSP Dijon mustard
1 TBSP Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
coarse black pepper
1 large romaine lettuce heart, coarsely chopped
1 bag baby spinach
2 ripe avocados, cut into bite-sized pieces

Preheat oven to 375.

Chicken: In a medium bowl combine 1 tablespoon of the chili powder, the cumin, 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, and some salt. Add the cubed chicken and coat in the seasoning. Heat skillet on medium-high and cook chicken 10 minutes or until cooked through.

Croutons: While the chicken is cooking, cube the bread and place in large bowl. Add 2 tsp of the garlic, remaining tablespoon of chili powder, 3 TBSP of the olive oil and a handful of parmesan cheese. Toss to coat thoroughly. Spread croutons evenly on baking stone and bake until crisp and golden, around 15 minutes.

Dressing: Using a large salad bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup olive oil, red pepper flakes, remaining 2 tsp of garlic, lime zest and juice, mustard, Worcestershire, cilantro, and salt and pepper to taste. Add the lettuce and spinach, followed by the croutons, avocado, and remaining cheese. Toss the salad to coat, adjust the salt and pepper, and pile the salad into bowls. Top with chicken.

Try this salad ASAP! We love it and the recipe makes a TON- you could easily feed four adults and still have leftovers. Hope you enjoy!