Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean giving up on flavor or creativity! For many, the idea of eating healthier conjures up images of bland meals or restrictive diets, but this is far from the truth. In fact, some of the best healthy meals are simple, flavorful, and exciting to make. Take it from certified trainer Terrance Crawford (@tcraw3 on Instagram), who’s putting a creative spin on a classic dish with his Chicken Caesar Salad Nachos.
This low-carb meal is packed with protein, rich flavors, and plenty of crunch—giving you a delicious alternative to traditional nachos. And the best part? It’s quick and easy to make, using common ingredients you likely already have at home. In Crawford’s own words, it’s a “10/10,” and judging by the way he prepares it, it’s clear that eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring at all.
View this post on Instagram
Chicken Caesar Salad Nachos Recipe
Crawford walks you through this unique and gut-friendly recipe with plenty of tips and tricks along the way. Below is the step-by-step process, along with some of his helpful advice for making this meal absolutely perfect.
Ingredients:
- Thinly sliced chicken breast
- Olive oil
- Seasonings of choice
- Romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
- Tortilla chips (minimal ingredient variety)
- Mozzarella and parmesan cheese
- Green onions, chopped
- Boathouse Farms Caesar dressing
- Croutons
- Lemon juice
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by coating the chicken (a fantastic lean protein) with olive oil and seasoning it with your seasonings of choice (Crawford uses Dash Southwest Chipotle, pink Himalayan salt, and black pepper). Crawford describes this step by saying. Pop it in the air fryer at 375°F for 15 minutes until it’s cooked to juicy perfection.
- Prep the Romaine and Tortilla Chips: While the chicken cooks, wash and chop the romaine lettuce. Next, arrange your tortilla chips on a baking sheet. When selecting tortilla chips, Crawford advises, “The less ingredients, the better it is. Check the label.” Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Assemble the Nachos: Once your chips are arranged, layer mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top. Then, take the chicken out of the air fryer and slice it into strips. Add the sliced chicken on top of the chips along with chopped green onions, more cheese, and some black pepper. Pop the whole sheet in the oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Make the Caesar Salad: While the nachos bake, it’s time to whip up a quick Caesar salad. Drizzle lemon juice over the romaine lettuce, then toss it with Boathouse Farms Caesar dressing. Crush up some croutons to create what Crawford calls “crouton dust.”
- Finish the Nachos: Once the nachos are done, remove them from the oven and top them with the prepared romaine lettuce and Caesar dressing. Sprinkle more black pepper, a dash of lemon juice, parmesan, and finish with a generous sprinkle of your crouton dust.
And that’s it! According to Crawford, this dish is “most definitely a 10/10.” Not only is it packed with flavor, but it also makes a healthier alternative to regular nachos—thanks to lean chicken breast, a modest amount of cheese, and plenty of fresh veggies.
The Benefits of This Low-Carb, High-Protein Recipe
Crawford’s Chicken Caesar Salad Nachos are a perfect meal for those looking to eat healthy while still enjoying great food. The high protein content from the chicken helps keep you full and satisfied, while the low-carb tortilla chips and fresh romaine provide a nutritious base without all the excess carbohydrates. Plus, the inclusion of healthy fats like olive oil and fresh lemon juice ensures you’re getting plenty of essential nutrients without sacrificing taste.
Whether you're trying to stay on track with your nutrition goals or simply want to experiment with a new recipe, this dish proves that healthy eating can be delicious, satisfying, and—most importantly—fun to make!
READ MORE: 3 Healthy And Affordable Low-Calorie Meals To Make On A Budget
