This Grilled Caesar Salad adds a smoky twist to the classic dish! Romaine lettuce leaves are grilled to perfection and tossed with creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, and parmesan.
Who knew salad could be so fun? The grilled flavor makes it feel like summer no matter the season! I love serving it as a side or just enjoying a big bowl on its own.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Romaine Lettuce: This is the star of the show! Its crunchy texture holds up well to grilling. If you’re looking for a twist, try using kale or grilled endive for a different flavor.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they add freshness. If cherry tomatoes are not available, any small tomatoes will work. Regular tomatoes can be diced as well, though they are less sweet.
Bacon: Adds a crispy, savory touch. If you want a vegetarian option, try crispy chickpeas or smoky tempeh instead!
Parmesan Cheese: This brings a sharpness to the salad. Pecorino Romano can be a great substitute, or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option!
Caesar Dressing: Mayonnaise provides creaminess. For lighter options, blend Greek yogurt instead. You can also make it vegan by using a plant-based mayo.
How Do I Grill the Romaine Perfectly?
Grilling romaine creates a delightful smoky flavor while keeping it crisp. To get that lovely char, follow these easy steps:
- Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat.
- Drizzle olive oil on the cut sides of the romaine and season well with salt and pepper.
- Place the romaine cut-side down on the grill for just 2-3 minutes, until you see char marks.
- Flip gently and grill for 1-2 more minutes. You want it just wilted, not mushy!
Keep an eye on it, as romaine can cook quickly. It’s all about that perfect balance of char and crunch!
How to Make Grilled Caesar Salad?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 heads of romaine lettuce, halved lengthwise
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1-2 lemons, halved (for grilling)
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Caesar Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Grilled Caesar Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and grill. You’ll spend a bit of time whisking up the dressing and grilling the ingredients, but it’s worth every moment for a delicious and fresh taste!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures a good sear on your romaine and a lovely caramelization on the lemons.
2. Make the Caesar Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan. Keep whisking until everything is well combined. Taste it and add salt and pepper as needed.
3. Prepare the Romaine:
Drizzle olive oil on the cut sides of the romaine halves and then sprinkle with salt and pepper to your liking. This will add flavor and help to get those delicious grill marks!
4. Grill the Romaine:
Put the romaine halves cut-side down on the grill. Grill them for about 2-3 minutes until you see beautiful char marks and the lettuce is slightly wilted. Then, flip them over and grill for another 1-2 minutes. This step gives the salad a smoky flavor!
5. Grill the Lemons:
While you’re grilling the romaine, place the halved lemons cut-side down on the grill as well. Grill them for about 3-4 minutes until they have nice grill marks and are caramelized. This will enhance their flavor for your salad!
6. Assemble the Salad:
Once the romaine and lemons are done, take them off the grill and set aside. On a serving plate, arrange the grilled romaine halves. Top with croutons, chopped bacon (if using), halved cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
7. Finish with Dressing:
Generously drizzle the Caesar dressing over your salad. Then, squeeze the grilled lemons over the top for an extra burst of flavor before you dig in!
8. Enjoy!
Your delicious and unique Grilled Caesar Salad is ready! Enjoy it as a meal or a side dish. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Different Types of Lettuce?
Absolutely! While romaine is traditional, you can substitute with other lettuces like iceberg or even kale for a different texture. Just be mindful of cooking times since different lettuces may grill up differently.
How to Store Leftover Salad?
If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately. Keep the grilled romaine in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, while the dressing can last for up to a week. Avoid mixing the croutons in, as they can become soggy.
Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes, making the dressing in advance is a great idea! Store it in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir or whisk before using, as some ingredients may settle.
What Can I Substitute for Bacon?
If you want a bacon alternative, try using crispy chickpeas or smoked paprika for added flavor and crunch. These options keep the salad delicious without the meat, making it a great vegetarian choice!
