Can I make the dressing in advance?

Absolutely! The Caesar dressing keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. In fact, a little time in the fridge helps the flavors blend together even more.

What can I use instead of anchovies?

If you’re uncomfortable with anchovies, a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a small spoonful of capers adds a similar salty depth without any fishy taste.

Can I use a different protein?

Definitely—roasted shrimp, grilled steak, hard-boiled eggs, or even roasted tofu are all great alternatives if you want to change things up or accommodate what you have on hand.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes! Use a plant-based yogurt in the dressing, skip the parmesan (or use a vegan version), swap anchovies for a splash of caper brine, and omit the chicken or replace with a vegan protein of choice.

Roasted Broccoli Caesar Salad Recipe

Name: Roasted Broccoli Caesar Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh broccoli florets; 1 large chicken breast, sliced in half lengthwise and pounded to an even thickness; 1 Tbsp avocado oil or high-quality olive oil; Sea salt and ground pepper, to taste; 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning; 1/4 cup freshly shaved parmesan; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans; 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 Tbsps finely grated parmesan cheese; 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard; 2 tsps raw apple cider vinegar; 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced; 3 anchovy fillets in olive oil, minced; 1/4 tsp sea salt; 1/4 tsp ground pepper; 1/2 fresh lemon, zest and juice

Looking for a way to make salads seriously crave-worthy? The Roasted Broccoli Caesar Salad is about to become your new go-to star. With golden roasted broccoli, juicy chicken, crunchy nuts, and a creamy, zesty homemade Caesar made with Greek yogurt, this salad is not only easy to throw together, but it’s also packed with flavor and goodness. It’s hearty enough for a satisfying meal any night of the week, yet simple and speedy enough for those jam-packed, get-dinner-on-the-table-now evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Totally Doable, Even on Busy Nights: It’s mostly a one-pan process plus a quick whisked dressing. Minimal mess, minimal effort, big payoff.
Flavor Overload (in the Best Way): Roasting the broccoli brings out a sweet smokiness, the chicken is tender and well-seasoned, and the yogurt Caesar dressing is tangy, salty, and packed with umami (thank you, anchovies).
Super Nutritious, Yet Indulgent: Protein-rich chicken, fiber-loaded broccoli, healthy fats from nuts and oil—plus that creamy dressing tastes way richer than it actually is.
Customizable to the Max: You can easily make it vegetarian, swap in other proteins, or bump up the crunch and texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Salad Components

Fresh broccoli florets: Roasting transforms these into a nutty, crisp-tender treat—skip frozen broccoli for the best results.
Chicken breast: Go for even thickness so it cooks quickly and stays juicy; slicing and pounding helps every piece get perfectly seasoned.
Avocado oil or olive oil: A little drizzle helps crisp the broccoli and keep the chicken moist—use high quality for the best flavor.
Italian seasoning: This blend gives an herby, savory kick—don’t be shy!
Sea salt & black pepper: Essential for bringing out all those flavors.
Freshly shaved parmesan: Salty, umami-rich cheese just belongs in Caesar; buy a block and shave it yourself if you can.
Chopped walnuts or pecans: For crunch and a bit of buttery, nutty flavor; toast them for extra depth.

Greek Yogurt Caesar Dressing

Plain Greek yogurt: Creamy, tangy, and a brilliant healthy swap for mayo.
Finely grated parmesan cheese: More cheesy umami in the dressing.
Dijon mustard: Adds a little heat and sharpness.
Raw apple cider vinegar: Brightens and balances the creaminess.
Fresh garlic cloves: For a bit of a bite—use fresh, not powdered.
Anchovy fillets in olive oil: Trust me, they make all the difference! Don’t skip unless you really must.
Sea salt & black pepper: For perfectly seasoned dressing.
Fresh lemon zest and juice: Lifts everything with citrusy brightness.

Tip: For ultra-smooth dressing, blend the ingredients instead of whisking!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to play and make this salad your own:

Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add roasted chickpeas, white beans, or even pan-seared tofu for protein.
No Anchovies: Sub in a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a chopped caper for that classic Caesar tang.
Change the Nuts: Almonds, pine nuts, or even sunflower seeds work great for crunch.
Grain Boost: Toss with cooked quinoa, farro, or brown rice for a heartier meal.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the broccoli before roasting.

How to Make Roasted Broccoli Caesar Salad

Step 1: Prep and Roast

Set the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup. Spread the broccoli florets so they’ll roast, not steam. Place your flattened chicken breast on the other side.

Step 2: Season Everything

Lightly drizzle both the chicken and broccoli with oil. Sprinkle on the Italian seasoning, plus a generous shake of sea salt and pepper. Give the broccoli a quick toss so it’s well coated.

Step 3: Into the Oven

Roast for 18-20 minutes. The broccoli will turn golden and crispy at the edges, and the chicken will be perfectly juicy and cooked through.

Step 4: Whip Up the Caesar Dressing

While the pan’s in the oven, whisk together Greek yogurt, parmesan, Dijon, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, anchovies, salt, pepper, and lemon (both zest and juice) in a small bowl. If you prefer your dressing extra creamy, toss everything into a blender.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

Let the roasted broccoli cool a touch. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Combine broccoli and chicken in a big salad bowl. Drizzle on the dressing and toss to coat every last piece.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Top generously with shaved parmesan and a good handful of chopped nuts. Dig in while it’s still warm!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Even Roasting: Cut broccoli into similar-sized pieces and make sure not to overcrowd the pan—this gives you that irresistible crispiness.
Quick Chicken Prep: Pound the chicken to an even thickness for fast, juicy roasting.
Don’t Rush the Dressing: Let it sit in the fridge while everything roasts—the flavors meld and become even better.
Serve Warm or at Room Temp: This salad is fantastic freshly tossed, but the flavors hold up beautifully after cooling a bit.

How to Serve

This Roasted Broccoli Caesar Salad is a meal in itself, but it also shines as a side. Pair with a bowl of soup (think tomato or minestrone), some crusty bread, or even pile it onto a wrap or grain bowl. For a light lunch, serve atop mixed greens for extra crunch. Lemon wedges on the side are a nice touch—it brightens each bite even more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The salad holds up surprisingly well and makes a sensational lunch the next day.

Freezing

It’s best not to freeze this one; roasted veggies can get mushy and the dressing may separate.

Reheating

If you prefer the salad slightly warm, a quick reheat of the chicken and broccoli in the microwave (separately from the greens and dressing) works wonders. Add the dressing after reheating for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I make the dressing in advance?

Absolutely! The Caesar dressing keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. In fact, a little time in the fridge helps the flavors blend together even more.
What can I use instead of anchovies?

If you’re uncomfortable with anchovies, a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a small spoonful of capers adds a similar salty depth without any fishy taste.
Can I use a different protein?

Definitely—roasted shrimp, grilled steak, hard-boiled eggs, or even roasted tofu are all great alternatives if you want to change things up or accommodate what you have on hand.
Can I make this vegan?

Yes! Use a plant-based yogurt in the dressing, skip the parmesan (or use a vegan version), swap anchovies for a splash of caper brine, and omit the chicken or replace with a vegan protein of choice.

Final Thoughts

The Roasted Broccoli Caesar Salad is proof that salads don’t have to be boring or fussy. With roasted veggies, a creamy, punchy dressing, and satisfying crunch, it’s a perfect answer to “What’s for dinner?” especially when time’s tight. Embrace the simplicity, follow your tastebuds, and don’t be afraid to riff on the recipe. Dive in and enjoy every bite—this one’s going to be a staple!