Crispy Tater Caesar Salad

By spend with pennies

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)

Prep Time15mins
Cook Time40mins
Servings6

Instructions

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.