Light Chicken Caesar Salad Pitas Recipe for Quick Fresh Lunches

Caesar salad pitas revolutionize traditional lunch expectations with their portable, handheld charm.

Mediterranean-inspired wraps bring fresh excitement to classic flavor combinations.

Crisp greens and robust seasonings enhance ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly within soft, pillowy pita bread.

Mediterranean culinary traditions inspire this delightful meal that balances nutrition and taste.

Protein-packed and convenient, these pitas offer a smart solution for busy individuals seeking satisfying midday nourishment.

Quick assembly and vibrant ingredients make this recipe a game-changer for lunch enthusiasts.

What Makes Chicken Caesar Pitas So Easy and Good

• Burst with Tangy Flavor: The homemade yogurt-based dressing combines garlic, lemon juice, and parmesan, creating a zesty and creamy taste that elevates the classic Caesar salad experience.
• Master Quick Grilling Technique: Learn to perfectly grill chicken with minimal flipping, ensuring juicy, evenly cooked meat that's seasoned beautifully through a simple marinade process.
• Customize Your Pocket Meal: Pita bread offers a convenient, portable canvas for layering fresh ingredients, making this recipe ideal for busy lunches, picnics, or quick weeknight dinners that feel special and satisfying.
• Healthier Twist on Classic: Replacing traditional mayo-heavy Caesar dressing with yogurt reduces calories while maintaining incredible flavor, proving nutritious meals can be absolutely delicious.

Everything You Need for These Pocket Meals

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that forms the heart of the salad, best when fresh and trimmed of excess fat.

• Plain Yogurt, Garlic, Lemon Juice, Dijon Mustard: Creamy base that tenderizes chicken and creates a tangy, rich flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall taste and balance flavors.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory depth and classic Caesar salad character.

• Romaine Lettuce: Crisp, fresh green with classic Caesar salad texture and mild flavor.
• Pita Bread: Soft, pocket-style bread that serves as a convenient wrapper for the salad.
• Tomatoes: Fresh, juicy addition that provides bright color and refreshing taste.

How to Build Your Own Caesar Pita Wraps

Step 1: Prepare Marinade And Dressing

• In a bowl, mix
• Yogurt
• Garlic
• Lemon juice
• Mustard
• Salt
• Pepper

Whisk ingredients until smooth. Transfer half the mixture to a zip-top bag for chicken marinade. Stir parmesan cheese into remaining mixture for dressing. Refrigerate dressing.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken

Slice chicken breast diagonally into long strips. Place chicken in bag with marinade. Seal and coat chicken evenly. Refrigerate for 3-8 hours. Remove chicken 30 minutes before cooking.

Step 3: Grill Chicken

Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Lightly oil cooking surface. Remove chicken from marinade, scraping off excess. Cook chicken, flipping once, until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Let cool slightly, then chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Prepare Salad Greens

Wash and dry romaine lettuce. Cut into thin ribbons. Toss with reserved yogurt dressing.

Step 5: Warm Pita Bread

Wrap pita in damp paper towels. Cover with plastic wrap. Microwave for 30-45 seconds. Remove carefully. Slice pitas and gently open pockets.

Step 6: Assemble Pitas

Spread yogurt dressing inside pita. Layer with dressed lettuce, tomatoes, and grilled chicken. Serve immediately.

Tips for Crisp Lettuce and Flavorful Chicken

• Marinate Masterfully: Let chicken sit in yogurt marinade for at least 3 hours or overnight to maximize flavor and tenderness.
• Grill with Precision: Use a digital thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F, preventing dryness while guaranteeing food safety.
• Slice Strategically: Cut chicken diagonally into 3/4-inch strips for even cooking and perfect bite-sized pieces.
• Warm Pita Perfectly: Wrap pitas in damp paper towels and microwave with plastic wrap to create soft, pliable bread without drying out.
• Dress Deliciously: Reserve some yogurt dressing to spread inside pita and toss with lettuce for extra flavor and moisture.

Keeping Caesar Pitas Fresh and Ready to Go

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store chicken, lettuce, and dressing separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent soggy pitas.
• Reheat Chicken: Warm chicken gently in microwave at 50% power for 30-45 seconds, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
• Assemble Fresh: Rebuild pitas just before eating by warming bread, adding chilled ingredients, and drizzling dressing to keep textures crisp and flavors vibrant.

Great Pairings for Caesar-Inspired Wraps

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio complement the tangy yogurt dressing and light chicken, cutting through the richness while enhancing the salad's fresh flavors.
• Serve with Citrus-Infused Sparkling Water: A refreshing lemon or lime sparkling water provides a zesty, palate-cleansing accompaniment that echoes the recipe's bright lemon notes.
• Enhance with Herbed Focaccia Bread: A soft, herbed focaccia on the side adds a delightful texture contrast and helps soak up the delicious yogurt dressing, making the meal more satisfying.
• Create a Side Mediterranean Salad: A small cucumber and feta salad with olive oil and herbs perfectly matches the pita's Mediterranean profile, adding extra freshness and complementary flavors.

Caesar Pita Combos That Break the Mold

• Mediterranean Magic: Replace romaine with mixed Mediterranean greens, add cucumber slices, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Incorporate diced jalapeños into the marinade, swap romaine for cilantro, and add roasted corn kernels and black beans for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Herb Garden Fresh: Mix chopped fresh herbs like basil, dill, and chives into the yogurt dressing, and include sliced avocado for a vibrant, garden-fresh take on the classic recipe.
• Protein Power Boost: Add quinoa or bulgur wheat to the salad mixture, include grilled chickpeas alongside chicken, and incorporate extra protein-rich ingredients for a more substantial meal.

Chicken Caesar Salad Pitas Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Zesty chicken caesar salad pitas bring Mediterranean flair to classic comfort cuisine. Crisp pita pockets stuffed with grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, and creamy caesar dressing offer a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.25 pounds or 567 grams)
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Fresh Produce:

• 2 hearts of romaine, cut into ½-inch ribbons
• 4 ounces (113 grams) cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Dressing and Bread Components:

• 1 ½ cups Friendly Farms Plain Greek Yogurt
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 4 L’oven Fresh White Pita Breads

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a zesty marinade by whisking yogurt, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, tangy mustard, salt, and pepper until silky smooth. Reserve half the mixture for marinating chicken and blend remaining sauce with parmesan cheese for dressing.
2. Slice chicken breasts into elegant diagonal strips approximately 3/4-inch wide. Submerge strips in prepared marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for minimum 3 hours, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Thirty minutes prior to cooking, extract marinated chicken from refrigerator for temperature equilibration. Prepare grill or skillet with light oil coating at medium-high temperature.
4. Carefully transfer chicken from marinade, gently scraping excess liquid. Grill or pan-sear, rotating once, until exterior develops golden-brown caramelization and internal temperature reaches 165 degrees fahrenheit. Allow brief cooling period, then chop into rustic bite-sized pieces.
5. Thoroughly cleanse romaine lettuce, pat dry, and slice into delicate half-inch ribbons. Gently toss with reserved yogurt dressing until evenly coated.
6. Warm pita breads using damp paper towel method in microwave, approximately 30-45 seconds. Carefully open pocket, taking care with potential steam release.
7. Layer interior of each pita with yogurt dressing, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and freshly grilled chicken. Serve immediately for optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for maximum flavor by letting it sit in yogurt mixture for at least 3 hours or overnight, bringing incredible tenderness and depth to your meal.
• Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing both safety and juicy texture.
• Warm pitas gently in microwave using damp paper towels to prevent drying out, creating soft, pliable bread pockets.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline cooking process, making dinner assembly quick and stress-free.
• Layer ingredients strategically by spreading dressing first, then adding lettuce, tomatoes, and chicken for perfect bite distribution.
• Serve immediately after assembling to enjoy crisp lettuce and warm chicken at peak deliciousness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 453
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 675 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 77 mg