Crispy Tater Caesar Salad

Smashed tater tots, blackened chicken, bacon bits, and crunchy veggies are tossed with romaine lettuce and Caesar dressing for a fun, fresh take on a classic salad!

Crispy Tater Caesar Salad in a bowl with dressing

What is Crispy Tater Caesar Salad?

Tater Caesar salad is a new viral trend and for good reason! The salad features crispy, cheesy smashed tater tots in place of croutons, making it as fun to make as it is to eat.

Flavor: Cheesy, savory, salty, and crunchy, this salad hits all the right notes!
Recommended Tools: An air fryer is the perfect way to make the crispiest tots every time.
Time-Saving Tip: Use bottled dressing, store-bought bacon, and rotisserie or leftover chicken to quickly toss this recipe together.
Make Ahead: Make tater Caesar salad up to a day ahead, chill, and toss with the dressing just before serving.

bacon , chicken , oil , seasoning , lettuce , tater tots , parmesan , green onions , celery , caesar dressing , with labels to make Crispy Tater Caesar Salad

Ingredient Tips for Tater Tot Caesar Salad

Tater Tots: Buy or make potato tots and freeze the extras for later! Waffle fries and home fries can be used the same way.
Chicken: Fresh or frozen (and thawed) cutlets are pre-portioned and ready to use! Chicken tenders or nuggets can be quickly made in the air fryer and add an extra layer of crunch.
Bacon and Cheese: Bacon bits and parmesan cheese add salty crunch to crispy tot Caesar salad. Diced ham, chopped salami, or pepperoni can be used in place of bacon.
Veggies: Romaine is the classic lettuce for Caesar salads. Try adding kale to the romaine for a nutrition bump.
Dressing: Buy or DIY? Make your own Caesar dressing with basic ingredients from the fridge and have plenty leftover as a veggie dip or for chicken Caesar wraps.

Variations

Sweet potato tater tots are a colorful and healthy swap for potato tots!
Optional veggies like diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or shredded Brussels sprouts add extra crunch and flavor.
Anchovies are a classic ingredient, so consider adding a teaspoon of anchovy paste to the dressing if you want a hint of that flavor.

smashing tater tots to make Crispy Tater Caesar Salad

adding cheese and chicken to cooked tater tots on sheet pan to make Crispy Tater Caesar Salad

How to Make Tater Caesar Salad

Bake: Oven bake and smash tater tots, top with parmesan cheese, and re-bake to a golden brown with chicken in the same pan.
Mix: In a large bowl, mix dressing with cheese, green onions, celery, bacon, and chicken chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Combine: Fold in chopped chicken, lettuce, and crispy tater tots.
Garnish: Top with extra parmesan cheese, cracked pepper, or croutons.

top view of Crispy Tater Caesar Salad in a bowl

Spray pan release on the tots before baking for extra crispy edges.
Toss the salad gently to prevent the tots from breaking apart.
Store leftover crispy tater Caesar salad in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Refresh the salad by removing any wilted lettuce leaves and draining, if necessary. Add fresh romaine, parmesan cheese, and dressing if desired.

More Hearty Salads to Try

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This viral recipe features crispy tater tots tossed with chicken, lettuce, parmesan, bacon, and a tangy Caesar salad dressing.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 55 minutes

Preheat the oven to 425°F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Spread the tater tots evenly on both pans in a single layer and bake for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
While the tots bake, pat the chicken dry and rub both sides with oil and blackened seasoning.
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 overtop the tots.
On one of the pans, move the tots to one side and add the chicken to the other side. Bake for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the tots are crisp and golden. (see note)
In a large bowl, mix Caesar dressing, remaining parmesan cheese, green onions, celery, bacon, and cooled chopped chicken.
Gently fold in cooled smashed tots and romaine lettuce.
Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked pepper. Drizzle additional caesar dressing over top if preferred.

If the chicken is done cooking and the tots aren’t crispy, transfer the chicken to a plate and continue to cook the tots.
You can use 2 cups of cooked or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking from raw.
Make sure tots and chicken are both fully cooled to keep the salad crisp and creamy.
This salad can be made ahead and served chilled.
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days. Remove wilted lettuce and add fresh.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Chicken, Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Salad

Cuisine American

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