Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken
   Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness of about ½ inch. Brush with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides.
2. Grill the chicken
   Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips against the grain.
3. Prepare the salad base
   In a large bowl, toss the romaine lettuce with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. This light coating helps the dressing adhere better to the leaves.
4. Assemble the salad
   Add Caesar dressing to the lettuce and toss until evenly coated. Add half of the Parmesan cheese and toss again. Divide the dressed lettuce among four plates or bowls.
5. Add toppings and serve
   Arrange sliced grilled chicken on top of each salad. Sprinkle with croutons, remaining Parmesan cheese, and a few grinds of black pepper. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the salad.