Best Chicken Caesar Salad Recipe – Easy and Delicious!
Looking for a fresh and flavorful salad recipe that is both easy to make and delicious? Look no further than this Newk’s Favorite Salad (Kinda Like) recipe. Inspired by the famous salad from the popular restaurant chain Newk’s Eatery, this recipe packs all of the same delicious flavors into a homemade version that you can enjoy any time, anywhere.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal or just trying to satisfy your cravings for a delicious salad, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Featuring plenty of fresh greens and veggies, this salad is full of nutrients and vitamins that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied.
And the best part? This recipe is incredibly easy to make, with just a handful of ingredients and simple steps to follow. Even if you’re not an experienced cook, you can make this tasty salad in no time at all. So why wait? Get started on your own copycat Newk’s Favorite Salad today and see what all the fuss is about!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of Newk’s favorite chicken salad? Do you find yourself craving it at all hours of the day? Well, get ready to be blown away by this copycat Newk’s favorite salad recipe that will have you coming back for seconds, and possibly thirds.
One of the reasons why you’ll love this recipe is because of its simplicity. With only a few fresh ingredients and some pantry staples, anyone can make a salad that rivals that of your favorite restaurant. And, who doesn’t love saving money while still getting to indulge in their favorite dishes?
Furthermore, this recipe is versatile and customizable to fit any dietary restrictions or preferences. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add some roasted tofu or chickpeas. For those who are gluten-free, swap out the croutons for gluten-free ones or leave them out altogether.
This salad is not only delicious but also healthy. It’s packed with nutrient-dense ingredients such as romaine lettuce, red grapes, dried cranberries, and pecans. Plus, the sherry vinaigrette adds just the right amount of tang without making it too heavy.
Lastly, this salad is perfect for any occasion. It can be served as an appetizer at parties or as a main course for lunch or dinner. It’s also great for meal prep since the ingredients can easily be prepped ahead of time and assembled when you’re ready to eat.
In conclusion, this copycat Newk’s favorite salad recipe is calling your name. Don’t settle for mediocre store-bought salads when you can make one that tastes just as good (if not better) in the comfort of your own home. Trust me; you won’t regret giving this recipe a try.
Ingredient List
Let’s dive into the ingredients for this Newk’s Favorite Salad (Kinda Like) Recipe. In order to recreate the best copycat Newk’s recipe, we will need a mixture of greens, chicken, fruit, nuts, and dressing.
Here is what you will need:
- 3 cups romaine lettuce
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (craisins)
- 1/2 cup seedless red grapes, halved (15 grapes)
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
- 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 skinless chicken breast halves, cooked and shredded
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup sherry wine vinegar
- 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Optional:
- Croutons
- Artichoke Heart
- Red Grapes
- Dried Cranberries
- Gorgonzola
The ingredients are easy to find in any grocery store, and with our step-by-step guide and tips, they are easy to work with as well.
The Recipe How-To
Once you’ve gathered all ingredients, it’s time to start making the Newk’s Favorite Salad (Kinda Like) Recipe. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare it:
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together sherry wine vinegar, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic clove, salt and fresh ground pepper. Slowly drizzle in extra virgin olive oil while whisking to emulsify.
Step 2: Roast the Pecans
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread roughly chopped pecans on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. Set aside to cool.
Step 3: Roast the Chicken Breasts
Brush each side of the skinless chicken breast halves with olive oil before seasoning with salt and fresh ground pepper as desired. Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat, grill each side for about 4-5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Set aside and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine washed and chopped romaine lettuce, mixed greens, and grape tomatoes. Add in croutons and sliced roasted chicken breasts along with some dressing mixture then toss well. Top with thinly sliced red grapes, drained can of quartered artichoke heart, handful of dried cranberries or craisins, followed by chopped roasted pecans and crumbled gorgonzola. Drizzle more dressing on top to taste.
Serve with your favorite entree or enjoy the salad itself as a light meal!
Note: For those who have nut allergies or simply not fond of pecans, you may opt for other nuts like almonds or walnuts instead.
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe for Newk’s favorite salad is highly customizable, which makes it perfect for experimenting with different ingredients. Some recommended substitutions and variations are:
– Swap out the chicken breast halves for turkey or tuna if you prefer. You can also leave out the meat entirely for a vegetarian version.
– Instead of romaine lettuce, use mixed greens or spinach for a different taste and texture.
– Try adding other fruits such as strawberries, apples, or pears to the salad. Use your creativity to personalize it to your taste buds.
– Instead of croutons, use nuts such as walnuts or almonds for an extra crunch.
– Feel free to switch up the cheese too. Feta or blue cheese would also work well in this salad.
– If you’re not a fan of sherry wine vinegar, use red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar as a substitute.
Remember – this recipe is merely a guideline. You are encouraged to be adventurous and try new ingredients to make it your own!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have prepared your Newk’s Favorite Salad (Kinda Like) recipe, it’s time to serve and pair it with your favorite dishes.
This salad is incredibly versatile and goes well with different types of food. For a light meal, you can simply enjoy the salad on its own as it’s packed with protein and other nutrients. If you prefer a heartier meal, pair it with grilled chicken, turkey or shrimp.
This salad is also perfect for serving as an appetizer or side dish. You could prepare it for a BBQ party and serve it alongside burgers and hot dogs. Alternatively, you can serve it as part of a more elegant dinner party menu, pairing it with grilled fish or roasted vegetables.
If you are feeling adventurous, experiment with different dressings to enhance the flavor of this salad. I particularly recommend sherry vinaigrette or Greek salad dressing to give your salad that extra zing. You can also add a bit of spicy jalapeño to your dressing if you like a little kick in your food!
Additionally, you can add some croutons for texture and crunch or sprinkle chopped pecans over the top for added flavor. Serve it in a large bowl for everyone to share, or personalize each serving by placing the salad on individual plates.
Whether you’re planning a picnic or an elegant dinner party, this Newk’s Favorite Salad copycat recipe is sure to impress your guests!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now, let’s talk about make-ahead and storing tips for this delightful Newk’s Favorite Salad (Kinda Like) recipe. This salad is perfect to serve at parties and gatherings, where you can impress your guests with its unique flavors and texture.
Fortunately, the recipe can be easily prepared in advance, making it an excellent option for people who want to save time on the day of their event. You can prepare the salad up to six hours before serving it. In fact, doing so allows the flavors to marinate and meld together more efficiently.
If you are planning on storing leftovers, there are some things you should keep in mind. Firstly, this salad tends to get soggy when stored for long periods of time. Thus, it’s best to store it in an airtight container with a moist paper towel beneath the lid. Doing so will help maintain its crunchy texture.
Additionally, avoid adding croutons or nuts unless you plan on eating them straight away. These ingredients can turn stale when left for too long in a damp environment Alternatively, you can store these ingredients separately and add them later right before you serve the salad.
Now, let me discuss how to reheat this dish for those of us who love warm salads. Although this salad is usually served chilled and refreshing, reheating it can create something new and exciting as well.
Firstly, try removing all the greens from the plate before reheating only chicken and other significant ingredients. If you prefer to reheat everything together in one go, then feel free to do so by warming it up in a microwave on medium heat for about one minute or until heated thoroughly.
In conclusion, Newk’s Favorite Salad (Kinda Like) is an excellent choice for people searching for healthy snacks or appetizers that taste great but most importantly easy-to-make-ahead while maintaining their freshness factor even after a few days of storage.
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to achieve the perfect taste and presentation for the Newk’s Favorite Salad (Kinda Like) Recipe, take note of these tips that I personally follow every time I make it.
Firstly, make sure to thoroughly wash and dry your romaine lettuce before chopping it into bite-sized pieces. Wet lettuce will make the salad watery and unpleasant to eat.
Secondly, when grilling the chicken breasts, avoid overcooking them as they may become tough and dry. Cook them just right so that they remain juicy and tender.
Thirdly, you can add a bit of lemon juice to the sherry vinaigrette dressing for an extra zing that complements the sweetness of the fruit in the salad.
Fourthly, if you plan to make this salad ahead of time, store the croutons separately so that they don’t become soggy in the dressing.
Fifthly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations or substitutions for this recipe. You can try adding more or less of certain ingredients depending on your taste preference. If you’re a fan of spicy food, consider adding some chopped jalapeño to give it some kick.
Lastly, presentation is key when it comes to serving this salad. Arrange the ingredients in a visually appealing way that will entice your guests to dig in. You can even consider placing some additional toppings like sliced avocado or boiled eggs on top.
By following these simple tips, you’ll have everyone raving about your Newk’s Favorite Salad (Kinda Like) Recipe at your next party!
FAQ
As with any recipe, questions, and concerns may arise during the preparation or serving of Newk’s Favorite Salad (Kinda Like) Recipe. Therefore, I have compiled a list of frequently asked questions and their corresponding answers. Whether you’re missing an ingredient or unsure about a step in the process, this section will provide you with all the information you need to make the best copycat Newk favorite salad. So, let’s dive in and get those questions answered!
What is Newks favorite?
If you’re looking for a salad recipe that’s sure to impress your guests, then you can’t go wrong with Newk’s Favorite. This hearty salad is made with all-natural chicken, mixed greens, Bleu Cheese, grapes, pecans, artichoke hearts, dried cranberries, and croutons. The ingredients are then lovingly tossed together in a sherry vinaigrette dressing that will leave you wanting more. Keep reading for my detailed instructions on how to make this salad!
What are the most popular salads?
This recipe article features five different salad options: a macaroni salad, a fruit salad, a Greek salad, a Caesar salad, and coleslaw. Each salad offers unique ingredients and flavors to appeal to a variety of taste preferences.
How to make salad taste like restaurant?
When dining at a good restaurant, you may notice that the salad has a certain level of seasoning to it. This is because the greens are likely sprinkled with salt and pepper directly. If you’re used to making salads at home without adding any salt, consider trying a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to elevate the taste. You may be pleasantly surprised at how much it enhances the flavors.
How many calories are in a Newks favorite salad?
The popular salad called “Newk’s Favorite” from Newk’s Eatery has approximately 740 calories in one serving, with a total carbohydrate content of 65g and a net carbohydrate content of 55g. Additionally, the dish contains 34g of fat and 46g of protein.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Newk’s Favorite Salad (Kinda Like) Recipe is an exceptional salad that will surely make your taste buds dance with delight. This recipe is a classic to Newk’s eatery and has been hailed as one of the best chicken salads out there. With its blend of flavors and ingredients such as dried cranberries, red grapes, pecans, and Gorgonzola cheese, you can enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and savory in every bite.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it is also incredibly nutritious. The combination of fresh greens, dried fruits, nuts, and olive oil makes this dish an excellent source of fiber and heart-healthy fats. You won’t have to worry about indulging in some tasty treats since this salad is a guilt-free way to enjoy food.
In case you’re looking for healthy snacks or appetizer recipes that won’t compromise on taste, Newk’s Favorite Salad (Kinda Like) Recipe should be at the top of your list. It’s perfect for picnics, dinner parties or just an afternoon snack. This recipe is versatile enough that you can swap out ingredients to suit your preference without compromising on taste.
In conclusion, don’t hesitate to try this copycat Newk favorite that has taken the internet by storm. Try it at home today and impress your friends and family with a restaurant-quality dish. Trust me; once you’ve tried this recipe, it might just become your new favorite too!
Newk’s Favorite Salad (Kinda Like) Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 heads romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (8 ounces total)
- salt and pepper
- olive oil
- 4 ounces gorgonzola, crumbled
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1 1/2 cups red grapes, halved
- 3/4 cup artichoke heart, chopped
- 3/4 cup pecans, toasted
- 1 cup crouton
Sherry Vinaigrette
- 1/3 cup sherry wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- To make sherry vinaigrette: Pour first 5 vinagrette ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. using the smaller blender opening, slowly add the oil and blend until smooth. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed, according to your taste.
- Lightly season chicken breasts with olive oil, salt and pepper. Grill chicken breasts until cooked throughout, but still juicy. Set aside to cool, and then slice.
- Prepare salad by adding lettuce, chicken breast, gorgonzola, cranberries, grapes, artichokes, pecans and croutons to a large salad bowl. Slowly add just enough vinaigrette to lightly coat the salad and then toss. Serve salad with additional vinaigrette on the side for those who like more dressing.
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!