Description
This Cajun Chicken Caesar Salad with Shaved Brussels Sprouts takes a bold twist on the classic! Featuring smoky, spicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, warm sautéed Brussels sprouts, and crispy quinoa, this high-protein, gluten-free meal is full of fiber and texture. Tossed with a tangy Cajun Caesar dressing, it’s a quick and nutritious dinner option.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad:
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 1.5 lbs shaved Brussels sprouts
- 1 large shallot, peeled & thinly sliced
- Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup Cajun crunchy quinoa (see note)
- Grated or shaved parmesan, to taste
For the Cajun Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, butterflied and/or pounded to 1/4-1/2" thick
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
For the Cajun Caesar Dressing:
- 1/2 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt or skyr
- 3 tbsp finely grated parmesan
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Kosher salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts evenly with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Heat a large, high-sided pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp avocado oil, then sauté Brussels sprouts and shallots with salt and pepper for 3-5 minutes, until slightly wilted and tender. Transfer to a large salad bowl.
- Reduce heat to medium, add another tablespoon of oil, and cook the seasoned chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting it into cubes.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until smooth.
- Pour the Cajun Caesar dressing over the shaved Brussels sprouts and toss to combine.
- Top with crunchy quinoa, cubed chicken, and extra parmesan. Enjoy!
Notes
- Cajun Crunchy Quinoa: To make crispy quinoa, rinse ½ cup quinoa, cook it, then toast in a pan with a little oil until crispy.
- Store leftovers separately for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- For extra crunch, add toasted nuts or croutons.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg