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Crispy Tater Caesar Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 73 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/crispy-tater-caesar-salad-recipe/