“The moment I had my first bite of this Caesar salad, I knew the others simply couldnt compete.”
Ever had one of those days when you’re just craving a chicken caesar salad but don’t know where to go? I’ve been there too many times! After trying dozens of places, I’m sharing my ultimate guide to finding the best chicken caesar salads that’ll satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank.
Why Buffalo Wild Wings Should Be Your Go-To Caesar Spot
When most people think of Buffalo Wild Wings, they immediately picture hot wings and sports games on giant TVs. But lemme tell you a secret – their Chicken Caesar Salad is seriously underrated! As someone who’s ordered it at least 20 times this year (my wallet is crying), I can confirm it’s worth every penny.
Buffalo Wild Wings offers their Chicken Caesar Salad for both delivery and pickup, making it super convenient when you’re in a hurry or just don’t feel like leaving your couch. Their crisp romaine lettuce paired with perfectly grilled chicken is a combination that just works.
What I love about BWW’s Caesar is the balance – not too heavy on dressing but not dry either. The parmesan is always fresh and the croutons have the perfect crunch. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Beyond Buffalo Wild Wings: 9 Other Amazing Caesar Salad Options
While Buffalo Wild Wings is my personal favorite, there are plenty of other fantastic options depending on your location and preferences
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Panera Bread – Their Caesar is lighter and perfect for those watching calories. The chicken is always tender, and they don’t skimp on the ingredients.
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Surprise winner: Chick-fil-A! Their Caesar uses their famous chicken, which gives it a unique taste that I want at least once a week.
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Applebee’s – If you want a more filling option, Applebee’s Caesar comes with extra toppings and a generous portion size.
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Chipotle – Not technically a Caesar, but their salads can be customized with similar ingredients for a Mexican-inspired twist.
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Local Delis – Don’t overlook your neighborhood deli! Some of the best Caesars I’ve had were from small, family-owned shops.
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Whole Foods Hot Bar – Perfect for a quick grab-and-go option that still tastes homemade.
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Sweetgreen: Their Kale Caesar is a modern take on the classic dish that is both healthy and tasty.
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DoorDash Marketplace – With DoorDash, you can compare Chicken Caesar Salads from multiple restaurants in your area at once. This has saved me so much time when I’m feeling indecisive!
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Grocery Store Deli Sections – Places like Wegmans, Publix, and Kroger often have ready-made Caesar salads that are surprisingly good in a pinch.
What Makes a Great Chicken Caesar Salad?
Let’s break down what we’re looking for in the perfect Caesar:
- Fresh, Crisp Romaine – Nothing worse than wilted lettuce! The backbone of any good Caesar.
- Quality Chicken – Should be tender, well-seasoned, and generous in portion.
- The Right Amount of Dressing – Too much is overwhelming, too little is sad. Balance is key!
- Proper Parmesan – Preferably freshly grated or shaved, not the powdered stuff.
- Crunchy Croutons – They should add texture without breaking your teeth.
- Extra Touches – Some places add bacon bits, cherry tomatoes, or avocado for a unique spin.
Making the Most of Food Delivery Apps
I’m practically a professional at ordering Caesar salads through apps at this point. Here are my pro tips:
DoorDash has a specific search for “Chicken Caesar Salad near me” that shows you all your local options. I use this at least twice a week when lunch indecision strikes. You can even sort by rating, price, or delivery time depending on your priorities!
When ordering from Buffalo Wild Wings through delivery apps, I’ve noticed the salad sometimes arrives with dressing on the side, which is actually perfect – it keeps everything crisp until you’re ready to eat.
When to Make Your Own Caesar at Home
Do it yourself is sometimes the best option! I’m not a chef, but I’ve perfected a quick Caesar at home that’s just as good as the ones you can get in a restaurant:
My Quick Homemade Caesar Recipe:
- Grab pre-washed romaine from the grocery store
- Pick up a rotisserie chicken (time-saver!)
- Add good quality Caesar dressing (Litehouse is my fave)
- Toss in some croutons and shaved parmesan
- Optional: add bacon bits or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor
To make sure I have all the food I need for the week, I use Canva templates to make a simple meal plan. If I order delivery every day, this would cost me a lot more money.
Best Caesar Salad for Different Situations
Not all Caesar cravings are created equal! Here’s my situation-specific recommendations:
- Quick Lunch Break: Buffalo Wild Wings or Panera for efficient pickup
- Late Night Craving: DoorDash delivery from wherever’s open
- Trying to Be Healthy: Sweetgreen or homemade with light dressing
- Feeding a Group: Order a family size from a pizza place (they often have great Caesars!)
- Special Occasion: Upscale restaurants often have amazing Caesar salads with fancy add-ons like anchovies or house-made dressing
Price Comparison: Getting the Best Caesar for Your Buck
I’m all about maximizing value. Here’s a rough price breakdown of different Caesar options:
| Restaurant | Average Price | Portion Size | Best Deal? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Wild Wings | $9-12 | Large | Good value |
| Fast Food Chains | $5-8 | Medium | Budget-friendly |
| Casual Dining | $10-14 | Large | Often comes with sides |
| Upscale Restaurants | $15+ | Medium | Paying for quality ingredients |
| Homemade | $4-6 per serving | Customizable | Most economical |
Caesar Salad Hacks I’ve Learned
After years of Caesar dedication, I’ve picked up some tricks:
- Always ask for dressing on the side when ordering delivery
- If you’re watching calories, ask for “light dressing” rather than none
- Many places will substitute grilled chicken for crispy at no extra charge
- Some restaurants will add extra protein for a small upcharge – worth it!
- Check weekly specials – many places discount salads on certain days
Common Caesar Salad Disappointments to Avoid
We’ve all been there – the sad, disappointing Caesar. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Too much dressing making everything soggy
- Tiny pieces of chicken that leave you hungry
- Stale croutons (the worst!)
- Wilted lettuce that should’ve been tossed days ago
- “Parmesan” that’s clearly the cheap stuff from a can
My Personal Buffalo Wild Wings Caesar Story
Last month, I was working late on a project and desperately needed brain food. I ordered the Buffalo Wild Wings Caesar through their app for pickup. When I arrived, they had accidentally made a regular Caesar without chicken! The manager was super apologetic and not only remade it correctly but threw in some free fries. Their customer service paired with the quality of their Caesar is why they remain at the top of my list!
Finding the perfect Chicken Caesar Salad is a journey, not a destination. Whether you choose Buffalo Wild Wings for their reliable quality, explore options on DoorDash, or perfect your own homemade version, there’s a Caesar out there for everyone.
I’m always on the lookout for new Caesar recommendations, so drop your favorites in the comments! And remember – life’s too short for mediocre salads. Go get that perfect Caesar you deserve!
P.S. If you’re ever in my neighborhood, look for me at the local Buffalo Wild Wings – I’ll be the one at the corner table, happily digging into a Chicken Caesar with extra croutons and probably working on my laptop. Some habits die hard!
The real culprit was the cheese. Hatefully shredded bits of flavorless white.
Longhorn Steakhouse: Caesar? I hardly know her.
Gordon Ramsay’s Ultimate Caesar Salad
FAQ
Does Panera Bread have a Chicken Caesar salad?
About This. Crisp romaine and lettuce blend tossed in Caesar dressing, topped with grilled chicken, shaved parmesan, and black pepper and sea salt croutons.
Is a Chicken Caesar salad actually healthy?
Grilled chicken and salad are healthy. Caesar dressing is not. Quite the opposite. Very full of fat and salt. Choose a different dressing if you can. Or if you must have caesar, use as little as possible, and buy a low-fat brand.
Which restaurant is famous for its Caesar salad?
The salad was first created in Tijuana, Mexico, at Caesar’s Restaurant and Bar, or so the story goes. According to an article by Erika Beach in With Love Paper and Wine, the restaurant’s original owner, Cesar, and his chef, Livio Santino, created the dressing in the 1920s.
Does Olive Garden have Chicken Caesar salad?
1 Serving of Olive Garden grilled chicken caesar salad contains 610 Calories The macronutrient breakdown is 13% carbs, 59% fat, and 28% protein.