Crispy Tater Caesar Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Crispy Tater Caesar Salad is a delightful twist on a classic Caesar, featuring crunchy smashed tater tots and savory blackened chicken. It combines familiar flavors with playful textures, making it a fun and satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 28 ounces frozen tater tots
- 2 chicken cutlets
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons blackened seasoning
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (divided, more for garnish)
- ¾ cup Caesar dressing (more to taste, store-bought or homemade)
- 3 green onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 rib celery (finely diced)
- 3 strips bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 ½ cups romaine lettuce (chopped)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Step 2: Spread the tater tots evenly on both pans in a single layer and bake for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Step 3: While the tots bake, pat the chicken dry and rub both sides with olive oil and blackened seasoning.
- Step 4: Let the tots cool for 2 minutes before gently smashing them with the bottom of a cup or spatula. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese over the smashed tots.
- Step 5: On one of the baking sheets, move the smashed tots to one side and place the chicken cutlets on the other side. Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the tots are crisp and golden.
- Step 6: In a large bowl, mix together the Caesar dressing, remaining Parmesan cheese, green onions, celery, bacon, and the cooled chopped chicken.
- Step 7: Gently fold in the cooled smashed tots and chopped romaine lettuce.
- Step 8: Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper. Drizzle additional Caesar dressing over the salad if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, use homemade Caesar dressing or enhance store-bought with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
- Substitute turkey cutlets or grilled tofu for a different protein option.
- Try adding cherry tomatoes or avocado for a fresh, colorful twist.
- Ensure the tots are cooled before smashing to keep them crisp and avoid mushiness.
Storage
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, keep the dressing separate and toss when ready to serve. Reheat the chicken and tots in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes if preferred warm, then combine with fresh lettuce and dressing.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the chicken and tots ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the chicken and tots in advance and refrigerate them separately. Reheat before assembling the salad to maintain their crispy texture.
What can I use if I don’t have blackened seasoning?
You can substitute with a mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create a similar flavorful spice blend.
PrintCrispy Tater Caesar Salad Recipe
This Crispy Tater Caesar Salad combines golden smashed tater tots with blackened chicken cutlets and classic Caesar salad ingredients, creating a flavorful and unique twist on a beloved salad. Baked tater tots are smashed for extra crispiness and tossed with Caesar dressing, Parmesan, bacon, celery, green onions, and romaine for a satisfying blend of textures and flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Tater Tots and Chicken
- 28 ounces frozen tater tots
- 2 chicken cutlets
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons blackened seasoning
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (divided, more for garnish)
For the Salad Mix
- ¾ cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade, more to taste)
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 rib celery, finely diced
- 3 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 ½ cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Bake Tater Tots: Spread the frozen tater tots evenly on both baking sheets in a single layer. Bake for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even crisping.
- Season Chicken: While the tots bake, pat the chicken cutlets dry with paper towels. Rub both sides of each cutlet with olive oil and sprinkle with blackened seasoning for a flavorful crust.
- Smash Tater Tots: Once baked, let the tots cool for 2 minutes. Gently smash them using the bottom of a cup or spatula to create extra crispy edges. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese evenly over the smashed tots.
- Bake Chicken with Tots: On one baking sheet, push the smashed tots to one side. Place the seasoned chicken cutlets on the other side. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the tots are golden and crispy.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Caesar dressing, remaining Parmesan cheese, sliced green onions, finely diced celery, crumbled bacon, and the cooled chopped chicken cutlets.
- Fold in Tots and Lettuce: Carefully fold in the cooled smashed tater tots and chopped romaine lettuce, mixing just enough to coat everything with the dressing without breaking up the tots further.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the salad with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper. Drizzle additional Caesar dressing over the top if desired and serve immediately for best texture.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use a sturdy cup or spatula to smash the tater tots gently without crushing them completely.
- Adjust Caesar dressing amount to taste, especially if you prefer a lighter or creamier salad.
- Make sure chicken is fully cooked by using a meat thermometer; juices should run clear.
- Bacon can be substituted with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- This salad is best enjoyed immediately to keep the tots crispy; left overs may soften over time.
Keywords: tater tots salad, Caesar salad, blackened chicken salad, crispy tots, baked chicken cutlets, bacon Caesar salad
