PF
A close-up of a Caesar salad topped with a poached egg on a white plate, perfect for healthy dining imagery.
Stovetop~30 minComplexity

Pesto Caesar Salad with Castelvetrano Olives

This Pesto Caesar Salad with Castelvetrano Olives delivers 61g protein and 734 calories per serving, functioning as a complete lunch or dinner entree. Quick-preps 6 servings on the stovetop for efficient batch cooking. The protein-forward base means you hit your targets without relying on separate chicken or beef components.

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Ingredients

6 servings
  • Egg Yolk(34g)
  • Anchovy
  • Garlic
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • Lemon Juice, Fresh(30g)
  • Avocado oil(120g)
  • ½ Teaspoon Freshly Cracked Black Pepper, Plus More For Serving
  • Basil Pesto, Prepared(60g)
  • Lettuce, Romaine(1920g)
  • Parmesan Cheese(120g)

    Grated Parmesan — the shelf-stable canister is fine for cooking.

  • Chicken Breast, Grilled(960g)
  • Olives, Green, Canned, Pitted(480g)
  • Croutons, Plain

Instructions

  1. 1Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until a drop of water sizzles on contact, about 2 minutes. Add the chicken and cook 6–8 minutes per side, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured at the thickest part. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
  2. 2While the chicken rests, add the egg yolk, anchovy, fresh garlic, salt, and half of the lemon juice to a tall mason jar.
  3. 3Use an immersion blender to blend the mixture for about 30 seconds until combined. Keep the blender flat on the bottom of the jar.
  4. 4Continue blending and gradually pour in the avocado oil in a thin, steady stream, keeping the blender submerged. Slowly lift the blender toward the surface to incorporate the remaining oil and emulsify the dressing, about 2–3 minutes total.
  5. 5Add the remaining lemon juice, black pepper, and basil pesto to the jar, then blend until fully combined, about 15 seconds.
  6. 6In a large bowl, toss the romaine lettuce with the dressing until well coated. Add the sliced chicken, half of the grated Parmesan, and the green olives, then toss gently to combine.
  7. 7Divide the salad evenly into 6 airtight containers while still fresh. Top each portion with the remaining Parmesan and croutons just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition — Per Serving

734

calories

61g

protein

49g

fat

Carbohydrates
18g
Saturated fat
10.0g
Sodium
1777 mg
Dietary fiber
9.6g

6 servings per batch · ~621g each

Macro data sourced from USDA FoodData Central

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Common questions

How much protein does Pesto Caesar Salad with Castelvetrano Olives have per serving?

Each serving delivers 61g of protein and 734 calories, with 49g fat and just 18g carbs. The high fat content from olives and dressing means this is a nutrient-dense option for hitting protein targets without excess carbohydrates.

How long does Pesto Caesar Salad with Castelvetrano Olives take to prep?

Quick prep time with stovetop assembly for 6 servings means this salad comes together fast for meal prep sessions. Each of the 6 servings is ready to grab throughout the week without reheating.

Is Pesto Caesar Salad with Castelvetrano Olives good for fat loss?

At 734 calories and 61g protein per serving, this salad works well during fat loss phases when protein intake needs to stay high to preserve muscle. The low carb count (18g) helps keep total daily calories in a deficit while remaining satiating from the fat content.

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