Roasted Cabbage Caesar Salad with Chicken

(2)

This warm and inviting salad swaps crunchy romaine lettuce for sweet roasted cabbage in a fun twist on Caesar salad. To make this main-dish cabbage salad vegetarian, opt for vegetarian or vegan Worcestershire, leave out the anchovy paste from the dressing, and use cubed tofu in place of the chicken.

a recipe photo of the Creamy Roasted Cabbage Caesar Salad With Chicken
Photo:

Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf

Active Time:
35 mins
Total Time:
55 mins
Servings:
4
Nutrition Profile:
the ingredients to make the Creamy Roasted Cabbage Caesar Salad With Chicken

Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf

Ingredients

  • 1 small head green cabbage, chopped (about 12 cups)

  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

  • 3 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

  • 2 1/2 teaspoons salt-free garlic-and-herb seasoning, divided

  • 2 (8-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 2 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice

  • 1 1/4 teaspoons Dijon mustard, divided

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper plus 1/8 teaspoon, divided

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise

  • 1/4 cup whole-milk plain strained (Greek-style) yogurt

  • 1 tablespoon water

  • 1 teaspoon lower-sodium Worcestershire sauce

  • 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste

  • 1/4 teaspoon grated garlic

  • 1/3 cup whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs

  • 3/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Directions

  1. Position oven racks in top third and lower third; preheat to 400°F. Line 2 large rimmed baking sheets with foil. Divide cabbage between the prepared baking sheets; top with lemon zest, 2 tablespoons oil and 1 teaspoon garlic-and-herb seasoning. Toss until well coated; push the cabbage mixture on 1 of the baking sheets to 1 side.

  2. Place chicken in a large bowl. Add 1 tablespoon oil, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon each garlic-and-herb seasoning and mustard and 1/4 teaspoon each pepper and salt; toss until well coated. Transfer to the open side of the baking sheet. Bake, rotating the pans top to bottom once, until the cabbage is lightly browned and tender and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest portion of the chicken registers 165°F, 25 to 30 minutes. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.

    a photo of the chicken and cabbage on a baking sheet

    Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf

  3. Meanwhile, whisk mayonnaise, yogurt, water, Worcestershire, anchovy paste, garlic and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon mustard and 1/8 teaspoon pepper together in a medium bowl until smooth. Cover and set aside. Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add panko and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon garlic-and-herb seasoning. Cook, stirring constantly, until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl.

    a photo of the panko and seasonings being cooked in a pan

    Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf

  4. Transfer the roasted cabbage to a shallow bowl. Add 1/4 cup of the dressing and 1/2 cup Parmesan; toss to coat. Top with the toasted panko mixture. Slice the chicken about 1/2-inch thick; arrange over the cabbage salad. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan; serve the remaining 1/4 cup dressing on the side.

    a photo of the ingredients to assemble the salad

    Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is cabbage good for you?

    As a cruciferous vegetable, cabbage offers lots of nutritional benefits. Eating cabbage regularly has been linked to a stronger immune system, better gut health, lower cholesterol and reduced inflammation. Cabbage also has plant compounds and nutrients that may protect against certain types of cancer.

  • Is chicken breast healthy?

    Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean, complete protein. It also offers several vitamins and minerals, including choline, vitamin B12, thiamin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) and zinc. Chicken breast easily fits into some of the healthiest eating patterns, including the Mediterranean diet.

  • What other ways can I use the dressing?

    The robust homemade dressing in this recipe can be used in many ways. It quickly transforms premade salad mixes into something outstanding. You can use it as a marinade for grilled or roasted meat and fish. It’s perfect for adding extra flavor to sandwiches and burgers and makes a crowd-pleasing dip for raw or roasted vegetables.

  • What should I serve with this salad?

    This salad includes a veggie and protein, so we suggest complementing it with rice, other whole grains or potatoes. Bread or rolls are also a must to sop up any leftover dressing from the plate.

  • What else can I do with anchovy paste?

    One of the great things about an opened container of anchovy paste is that it can be refrigerated for six months to a year, so you have some time to use it. If it’s unopened, it will last a couple of years in a cool, dry place. Anchovy paste goes well with savory foods of all kinds, as well as tomatoes, olives and capers. It’s perfect for sauces, including barbecue sauce, gravies, marinades and salad dressings. You can use anchovy paste in lieu of salt when making tuna salad or egg salad. Mix it with butter to add a finishing touch to roasted or grilled root veggies. It can improve a meatloaf, pizza or omelet. For a simple combination, bread and anchovy paste are a match made in heaven, whether added to a slice of toast or fresh baguette from the bakery.

Additional reporting by Carrie Myers, M.S. and Linda Frahm

EatingWell.com, May 2024

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

500 Calories
29g Fat
24g Carbs
37g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Serving Size about 1 1/2 cups salad, 3 oz. chicken & 1 Tbsp. dressing
Calories 500
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 24g 9%
Dietary Fiber 7g 26%
Total Sugars 9g
Protein 37g 73%
Total Fat 29g 38%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Cholesterol 107mg 36%
Vitamin A 77µg
Vitamin C 90mg 99%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 3mg 21%
Folate 120µg
Vitamin K 214µg
Sodium 801mg 35%
Calcium 299mg 23%
Iron 2mg 13%
Magnesium 81mg 19%
Potassium 901mg 19%
Zinc 2mg 21%
Vitamin B12 1µg
Omega 3 1g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Related Articles